Washing hands frequently helps prevent illness
by Lisa Hooper
TNE Writer

Millions of disease-causing organisms are lurking on practically everything people handle every day. So everyone should know hand washing is very important. Cold and flu viruses, hepatitis, E. coli and Staph are just a few of the germs that spread to person hands when they touch an item.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the simple act of hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of vital and bacterial infections. Yet some findings reveal that about many Americans using public restrooms do not wash their hands before leaving. People also forget to wash their hands before preparing meals and they grab snacks without thinking of hand washing.
Germs are so small they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Although most of them are "good," a few of them can causes illnesses like diarrhea, colds and other more serious sometimes even life-threatening diseases. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses.
"I would say definitely yes that hand washing is the best preventive medicine. Soap combined with the scrubbing dislodges removes germs. Clean hands prevent infections and the spread of germs. Also cover all sneezes and coughs with a tissue or the crook of your elbow or sleeve and then clean your hands every time you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth." said Joyce Van Nostrand, associate professor of Nursing.
Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people do not practice this habit as often as they should.
"There is more to hand washing than a person might think. By rubbing your hands vigorously with soapy water, a person pulls the dirt and the oily soils free from skin. The soap lather suspends both the dirt and germs trapped inside and are then quickly washed away," said Marie Flake, local health liaison.
Hands are the most common mode of transmission of disease causing agents. Proper hand washing helps stop the spread of infectious diseases such as the common cold and the seasonal flu.
"Your hands are the most important means from which germs travel from one person to another. Frequent hand washing is the best way to avoid most infections if there's an outbreak in your area," said Julie Gerberding, physician and director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The aim of hand washing is to remove microorganisms from the hands and preventing their potential transfer. It is best to wash hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. Dry hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.

Email Lisa Hooper