Every year, the flu causes serious health issues in people of all ages. Chest colds, head colds, and other viruses hit households and spread quickly. Then, there are viruses like coronavirus, H1N1, and Sars that cause a level of panic. People aren’t sure what to do. Proper hand washing is the key to prevention.
Washing hands should be easy, but some people don’t understand exactly how to properly wash their hands. Here are tips that will help.
Wash for the Right Amount of Time
Turn on the water and get it as hot as you can stand. Wet both hands and add some soap. Rub thoroughly under nails between fingers, and up above your wrists. Slowly count to 20 while you do this.
Rinse your hands with your fingers pointed towards the ceiling so that water runs down the hands and off the wrists. Let them air dry if possible or use a clean towel to pat them dry.
Wash Regularly
Wash your hands all the time. Wash them before you start preparing a meal or snack. Wash them during each step. Slice meats, wash your hands, get a new cutting board, and slice vegetables. Wash your hands again. When you’re done, wash your hands. Wash them again before you eat.
After you use the toilet, talk on a phone, use a computer, or come in from a store, wash your hands. Wash your hands immediately after coughing or sneezing into them. Wash your hands before and after caring for a parent or child who doesn’t feel good.
You also need to wash your hands after doing the laundry, putting away groceries (especially vegetables or fruits), and changing sheets and towels. The goal is to get used to washing your hands dozens of times per day.
The Best Moisturizers for Washed Hands
If you worry about dryness, use a moisturizer. Choose a moisturizer that is unscented and hypoallergenic. That keeps additional irritation from happening. Aquaphor Healing Ointment is an example of one to use. It protects the skin from becoming dry and cracked, which increases the risk of infection.
There are several others that work like Aquaphor. Read labels and look for dermatologist-approved, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic when choosing a moisturizer.
If your parents are sick, they should stay at home. They don’t have to worry about running errands, cooking meals, or arranging doctor’s appointments if they have senior care services supporting them. Senior care also makes it easy for you to stay home if you’re sick. Don’t spread your virus. Let senior care take over until you’re better.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Castle Rock, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today at 303-953-9924.
