Flu season is upon us. Kids are in school in many areas and bringing home a variety of viruses like the common cold, the flu, and strep throat. Ideally, you want to avoid those viruses making it into your parents’ house. One of the best ways to stop a virus is through handwashing.<\/p>\n
October 15th is Global Handwashing Day. It’s a good time to learn why handwashing is the most important step in disease prevention and how to properly wash your hands.<\/p>\n
Why Is Handwashing so Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n Studies have found that proper handwashing reduces the risk of respiratory infections by close to 20 percent. Some UK researchers believe that if everyone took time to properly wash their hands after greeting others, using a keypad or doorknob, or using a restroom, a million deaths per year could be prevented.<\/p>\n When classrooms in a study started using alcohol gel sanitizers in each classroom, student absenteeism dropped by close to 20 percent. Washing hands is best, but gel sanitizers are a good alternative if washing hands isn’t possible at that moment.<\/p>\n Gel sanitizers have to be used properly. You need enough to thoroughly saturate the palms, under the nails, the back of the hands, and between the fingers. The sanitizer needs to be at least 60 percent alcohol and not be on the CDC list of hand sanitizer recalls that contained toxic ingredients.<\/p>\n The Eight-Step Guide to Properly Washing Hands<\/strong><\/p>\n There are eight steps involved in properly washing the hands.<\/p>\n