When and How to Wash Your Hands

Mar 17, 2018
About Us

Introduction

Welcome to Unity Healthcare, your trusted source for pain management care. In our commitment to promoting overall well-being, we understand the significance of proper handwashing. Good hand hygiene plays a vital role in preventing the spread of diseases and maintaining optimal health. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the importance of handwashing, when to wash your hands, and how to do it effectively.

The Importance of Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, including bacteria and viruses. Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, collecting various microorganisms. Touching our face, eyes, nose, or mouth can then transfer these harmful pathogens into our bodies, leading to infections and illnesses.

In particular, the current global health crisis has highlighted the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, is highly recommended by health experts and authorities worldwide.

When to Wash Your Hands

It is important to wash your hands at several key moments throughout the day to reduce the risk of infection:

Before Food Preparation

Before handling any food, always make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination. This includes washing your hands before cooking, eating, or even handling utensils and dishes.

After Using the Restroom

After using the restroom, it is crucial to wash your hands to eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria or viruses that may have been acquired during the process.

After Coughing, Sneezing, or Blowing Your Nose

Respiratory droplets can easily spread germs to surfaces or other individuals. Proper handwashing after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose helps prevent the transmission of respiratory illnesses.

After Touching High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons are frequently touched by many people and can harbor germs. Washing your hands after touching these surfaces is an essential preventive measure.

Before and After Taking Care of Someone Sick

If you are caring for someone who is ill, washing your hands before and after attending to their needs is crucial to minimize the risk of spreading any potential infections.

After Handling Pets or Animal Waste

Pets, especially those who go outdoors, can carry germs. After handling pets or cleaning animal waste, handwashing is necessary to prevent the potential transfer of bacteria or parasites.

How to Wash Your Hands Effectively

Proper handwashing technique plays a significant role in maximizing the effectiveness of hand hygiene:

Step 1: Wet Your Hands

Start by wetting your hands thoroughly with clean, running water. Adjust the temperature to your comfort.

Step 2: Apply Soap

Apply a sufficient amount of soap to your hands. You can choose between liquid, bar, or foam soap based on personal preference.

Step 3: Lather and Scrub

Rub your hands together vigorously to create a soapy lather. Make sure to cover all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. This process should take approximately 20 seconds, or the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Hold your hands under clean, running water to remove the soap and lather. Ensure all soap residue is washed away.

Step 5: Dry Your Hands

Use a clean towel or air-dry your hands. If using a reusable towel, ensure it is regularly washed to maintain cleanliness.

Step 6: Apply Hand Sanitizer (When Needed)

In situations where soap and water are unavailable, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a suitable alternative. Apply enough sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until dry.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is an essential practice for everyone. Regular handwashing, especially during critical moments, helps reduce the transmission of diseases and keeps you and those around you safe. By following the recommended guidelines and techniques, you can contribute to a healthier environment and decrease the risk of infection.

At Unity Healthcare, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Should you require pain management care or any other medical assistance, our professional team at Pain Management Care, PC is ready to provide you with exceptional care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Rickey Dill
I always keep hand sanitizer in my car for quick hand cleansing. It's a convenient backup when I can't wash with soap and water.
Oct 24, 2023
Danielle Gerard
Great tips for maintaining hand hygiene and preventing disease!
Oct 6, 2023
Gerald Telzrow
I'm grateful for the emphasis on handwashing in this article.
Aug 26, 2023
Oleta McGuire
Thanks for the reminder about the importance of handwashing. It's a habit that we should all take seriously.
Aug 5, 2023
Le'arne Sharp
I always encourage my children to wash their hands before and after playtime. It's an important habit to instill from a young age.
Jul 21, 2023
Mike Deford
I make sure to wash my hands before and after using public restrooms. It's a basic but important step in personal hygiene.
Jul 6, 2023
Jared Lewellyn
Hand hygiene should be a priority for everyone, not just healthcare professionals. It's a simple way to protect ourselves and others.
Jun 17, 2023
Steve Zyglewyz
I'll be sharing this article with my friends and family.
May 29, 2023
Unknown
I love that you're educating the public on the importance of hand hygiene. Simple habits like handwashing can have a big impact on public health.
May 18, 2023
Moaz Marciny
Hand hygiene should be a priority for everyone, not just healthcare professionals. It's a simple way to protect ourselves and others.
May 12, 2023
Slawomir Miodwski
One small gesture like washing your hands can make a big difference in preventing the spread of germs. Thanks for the informative article.
May 5, 2023
Mary Potter
Thank you for the helpful information about handwashing.
Apr 14, 2023
Cathy Hay
Hand hygiene is important for everyone, not just healthcare professionals. It's a responsibility we all share in promoting health.
Mar 30, 2023
Jerold Budinoff
Proper hand hygiene is a critical step in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Thanks for highlighting its importance!
Mar 19, 2023
Roberta
I always remind my kids to wash their hands before and after meals. It's a habit that starts at home.
Feb 23, 2023
Sadegh Darbandsary
I learned a lot about handwashing techniques from this article. It's so important to do it correctly!
Feb 15, 2023
Pat McKeough
Proper handwashing is especially crucial during cold and flu season. It's a simple but effective way to maintain good health.
Jan 27, 2023
Stanley Groves
Proper hand hygiene is a crucial step in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Thanks for highlighting its significance!
Jan 16, 2023
David Ramsay
I make sure to wash my hands before and after using public transportation. It's a good habit to reduce the risk of getting sick.
Jan 10, 2023
Mathilde Henry
Proper hand hygiene is crucial in reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Thanks for highlighting its importance!
Dec 31, 2022
Mike Cupisz
Hand hygiene is something we all need to take seriously. It's a simple but powerful way to protect ourselves and others.
Dec 17, 2022
Bob Skaggs
Good hand hygiene is something we should all prioritize.
Nov 29, 2022
Jenston Bvera
I love that you're educating the public on the importance of hand hygiene. Simple habits like handwashing can have a valuable impact on public health.
Sep 21, 2022
Unknown Unknown
I keep a small bottle of hand soap in my bag for when I'm out and about. It's a good practice to have.
Sep 6, 2022
Jane Gerada
I make sure to wash my hands before and after visiting a sick friend. It's a small but thoughtful way to show care and concern.
Aug 23, 2022
Annabelle Page
Thanks for the reminder about the importance of hand hygiene. It's a simple yet vital practice for overall health.
Jul 23, 2022
Doug Martin
I make sure to wash my hands before and after preparing food. It's a simple but effective way to prevent illness.
Jul 10, 2022
Cindy Cailing
I'll definitely pay more attention to washing my hands properly.
Jun 29, 2022
Raymond Lei
I love that you included tips on teaching kids proper handwashing. It's an important lesson for them to learn early on.
Jun 10, 2022
Caroline Thompson
I'm glad you included tips on teaching children proper handwashing. It's a vital lesson for them to learn early on.
Jun 1, 2022
Lucie Provided
Frequent handwashing is crucial, especially for healthcare workers. It's part of our responsibility to keep patients safe.
May 23, 2022
Stephen Rehrer
I never realized the impact of handwashing on overall health.
Apr 21, 2022
Eugene Klepikov
I always keep a hand sanitizer in my bag for moments when I can't wash my hands. It's a convenient solution for on-the-go cleansing.
Apr 3, 2022
Paul Smit
Proper hand hygiene is crucial in reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Thanks for highlighting its importance!
Mar 7, 2022
,
I always carry hand sanitizer for times when I can't wash my hands. It's a great backup!
Mar 2, 2022
Jonathan Betsch
It's great to see a healthcare provider educating the public about hand hygiene. It's a basic but essential aspect of healthcare.
Mar 1, 2022
Triton Pacific
I always carry hand sanitizer in my car for quick hand cleansing. It's a convenient backup when I can't wash with soap and water.
Feb 28, 2022
Ryan Muldoon
Handwashing is a simple yet effective way to stay healthy.
Feb 14, 2022
Z Kekuewa-McSe
I keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse for times when I can't get to a sink to wash my hands. It's convenient and effective.
Dec 26, 2021
Ilan Lifshitz
I've always told my kids to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice while washing their hands. It's a fun way to make sure they do it for long enough.
Dec 25, 2021
Asghar Ali
Educating the public about hand hygiene is crucial. Simple habits like handwashing can have a big impact on public health.
Dec 12, 2021
Nayan Patel
I appreciate the practical tips for proper handwashing in this article.
Dec 4, 2021
Adrian Lee
I appreciate the thorough explanation of proper handwashing techniques. It's a foundational practice for everyone.
Nov 28, 2021
Seck Matar
Hand hygiene is important for everyone, not just healthcare professionals. It's a responsibility we all share in promoting health.
Oct 21, 2021
Danielle Bonnet
It's great to see a healthcare provider emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene. It's such a basic yet crucial component of healthcare.
Sep 15, 2021
Joseph Dabit
I always encourage my children to wash their hands before and after playtime. It's an essential habit to instill from a young age.
Jul 10, 2021
Lloyd Campbell
I'm reminded to wash my hands more often after reading this article.
Jul 1, 2021
Wan Yoon
The importance of handwashing cannot be overstated.
Jun 28, 2021
Nathan Lovas
It's always good to keep hand hygiene in mind.
Jun 23, 2021
Mary Nurse
I carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse for situations when I can't access a sink to wash my hands. It's convenient and effective.
Jun 9, 2021
Robert Young
Thanks for highlighting the significance of handwashing in disease prevention.
Apr 21, 2021
John Freeman
Handwashing should be a regular part of everyone's routine.
Apr 15, 2021
Marco Olivarez
Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing hospital-acquired infections. It's a key part of patient safety in healthcare settings.
Mar 29, 2021
Stephen Ringel
I make sure to wash my hands before and after using public facilities. It's a basic but important step in maintaining personal hygiene.
Feb 22, 2021
Jeannie Petasek
I make sure to wash my hands before and after visiting a sick friend. It's a small but thoughtful way to show care and concern.
Feb 20, 2021
Deena Weisberg
I appreciated the detailed explanation of proper handwashing techniques. It's a simple but essential practice for everyone.
Feb 6, 2021
Gonzalez
I always make sure to wash my hands before eating.
Feb 3, 2021
Gloria Luna
Thank you for the reminder about the importance of hand hygiene. It's a simple but essential practice for our overall well-being.
Oct 25, 2020
Helen Saxton
I appreciate the thorough explanation of proper handwashing techniques. It's a fundamental practice for everyone.
Oct 14, 2020
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I make sure to wash my hands before and after using public facilities. It's a basic but important step in maintaining personal hygiene.
Oct 14, 2020
Olivia Steven
Handwashing should be a priority for everyone, not just healthcare workers. It's a simple way to protect ourselves and others.
Oct 5, 2020
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Proper handwashing is especially important during cold and flu season. It's a simple but effective way to stay healthy.
Sep 23, 2020
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Sep 21, 2020
,
I'll be more vigilant about handwashing moving forward.
Jul 22, 2020
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I always make sure to wash my hands before and after using public restrooms. It's a basic but vital step in personal hygiene.
Jul 21, 2020
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Jul 11, 2020
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I have a small bottle of hand sanitizer attached to my backpack. It's convenient and encourages me to use it frequently.
Jun 26, 2020
Snguyen Snguyen
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May 26, 2020
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May 24, 2020
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Thank you for reminding us about the significance of handwashing. It's a simple practice that can make a substantial difference in our overall health.
Apr 21, 2020
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Great reminder about the importance of handwashing! ?
Mar 14, 2020
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I appreciated the detailed explanation of proper handwashing techniques. It's a simple but essential practice for everyone.
Mar 8, 2020
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I never realized how important proper handwashing is until now.
Jan 31, 2020
Add Email
I'm glad you included tips on teaching children proper handwashing. It's a vital lesson for them to learn early on.
Jan 25, 2020
Place Holder
I always carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer attached to my backpack. It's convenient and serves as a reminder to use it frequently.
Jul 12, 2019
Victoria Peppiatt
I appreciate the thorough explanation of when and how to wash hands. It's a topic that's often overlooked, but so important.
Jul 1, 2019
Beverly Jackson
Thank you for reminding us about the importance of handwashing. It's a simple practice that can make a big difference in our overall health.
Jun 26, 2019
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I love that you're emphasizing the importance of good hand hygiene. It really does make a difference in staying healthy.
May 15, 2019
Anthony Eftimoff
Healthy habits start with proper handwashing.
May 9, 2019
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Proper handwashing is especially important during flu season. Thanks for the reminder!
Apr 21, 2019
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I didn't expect to learn so much about handwashing from this article.
Mar 31, 2019
Roger Vinci
The science behind handwashing is fascinating! This article explained it in a very easy-to-understand way.
Mar 27, 2019
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Thank you for the reminder about the importance of hand hygiene. It's a simple but essential practice for our overall well-being.
Mar 27, 2019
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Handwashing is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases.
Mar 2, 2019
Gunneswara Pusarla
I appreciate the emphasis on teaching kids proper handwashing. It's a fundamental lesson in personal hygiene.
Feb 13, 2019
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I make sure to wash my hands before and after visiting a sick friend. It's a small way to show care and consideration.
Feb 11, 2019
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Dec 30, 2018
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I always carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer attached to my backpack. It's convenient and serves as a reminder to use it frequently.
Dec 28, 2018
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Proper handwashing is especially crucial during cold and flu season. It's a simple but effective way to maintain good health.
Dec 23, 2018
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Nov 29, 2018
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Hand hygiene is a responsibility we all share in keeping ourselves and others healthy. It's a basic but crucial practice.
Nov 29, 2018
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Oct 1, 2018
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I appreciate the emphasis on handwashing in preventing the spread of diseases. Simple habits can have a big impact on public health.
Aug 29, 2018
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Hand hygiene is something we all need to take seriously. It's a simple yet powerful way to protect ourselves and others.
Aug 25, 2018
Bernd Mayer
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Aug 25, 2018
Jason Paulse
Educating the public about hand hygiene is crucial. Simple habits like handwashing can have a significant impact on public health.
Aug 20, 2018
Joan Barrow
I always remind my kids to wash their hands before and after meals. It's a habit that starts at home.
Jul 28, 2018
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I always keep a hand sanitizer in my bag for times when I can't wash my hands. It's a convenient solution for on-the-go cleansing.
Jul 7, 2018
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Jun 19, 2018
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I appreciate the emphasis on teaching kids proper handwashing. It's a foundational lesson in personal hygiene.
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Apr 26, 2018
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Apr 16, 2018
Benjamin Palmer
It's great to see a healthcare provider emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene. It's such a basic yet crucial component of healthcare.
Apr 9, 2018
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