Ever thought about how many pesky germs end up on our hands during the day? It’s pretty surprising when you consider all the things we touch, like doorknobs and smartphones. Without even realizing it, we’re basically inviting these invisible troublemakers into our lives!
But don’t worry; there are a bunch of things we can do to keep our hands from turning into germ central. Stuff like wearing gloves and using hand sanitizers can help a lot. You might have heard of products like Purell Hand Sanitizer Canada that claim to kill 99.99 percent of germs. So, keeping our hands clean and out of harm’s way isn’t as tough as it sounds.
The Importance Of Hand Hygiene
So, germs are like these tiny things – bacteria, viruses, and fungi – that can make us feel pretty miserable. Some germs aren’t a big deal, but others can badly affect our health. They can make us sick. And guess what? They can sneak into our bodies through dirty hands. That’s why having clean hands is a big deal!
When we don’t clean our hands, those germs can jump onto our food and drinks when we eat or cook. And even when we touch our faces, especially our lips. By giving our hands a good scrub, we can stop those sneaky germs from spreading and stay healthy.
How to Keep Germs Away from Your Hands
Making sure your hands are clean might seem simple, but it’s actually a powerful way to avoid getting sick. Whether you’re chilling at home, working, or doing anything else, by keeping your hands clean, you can stay away from harmful germs. Here are a few things you need to take care of to keep your hands germs-free:
- Handwashing
Hand hygiene begins with washing your hands. It looks like a small thing, but it can make a big difference. When you wash your hands, you’re not only getting rid of dirt, but you’re also saying goodbye to a bunch of germs. To really kick those germs to the curb, follow these steps:
- Wet your hands with clean water, warm or cold.
- Lather up with soap, making sure to get every nook and cranny.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds; pay attention to the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Rinse your hands well to wash away the soap and germs.
- Apply Hand Sanitizers
Okay, so soap and water are perfect for cleaning hands, but sometimes you’re in a situation where they’re nowhere to be found. Then hand sanitizers do the job of hand cleaning! These little helpers can save the day. But before using them just keep these tips in mind:
- Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Squirt enough to cover all your hand surfaces.
- Rub your hands together until they’re dry – it takes about 20 seconds.
- Gloves- Hand Protectors
When you’re dealing with tricky stuff like yucky materials or bodily fluids, disposable gloves like Nitrile exam gloves act as your personal armor. They shield your hands from the gross stuff. But here’s the deal: when you’re done, toss ’em out properly, and don’t forget to wash your hands afterward. Even with gloves on, handwashing is still a must.
- Keep Nail Clean and Short
Looking after your nails isn’t just about looking fancy – it’s a health thing too. Cleaning and trimming your nails keeps you in the clear. Long or uneven nails can trap dirt and bacteria, making it hard to keep your hands clean. Trim those nails and shape ’em up to keep the germs at bay.
- Disinfect Frequently Touched Objects
Everyday things like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards are like germ hangouts. They’re touched by lots of people, so they’re prime real estate for germs. Regular cleaning gets rid of dirt, but disinfecting takes it up a notch by zapping those nasty germs.
Handy Hygiene in Your Daily Routine
Listen up because not all hand moments are created equal. There are times in your daily routine when your hands need extra love. Keep these moments on your radar:
- Food Prep Rule
Before you dive into cooking or handling food, give those hands a good wash. This helps stop germs from hitching a ride onto your meal, keeping you and others safe from tummy troubles.
- Restroom Ritual
After you do your business, it’s like Handwashing 101 time. Scrub those hands properly with soap and water. It’s a simple move that keeps germs from spreading through the “ick” route.
- Care Mode
If you’re looking after a sick friend or family member, keeping your hands clean is non-negotiable. It stops germs from going back and forth between you two, making recovery smoother. Washing your hands, using gloves, and using hand sanitizers are must-dos.
- Sneeze and Cleanse
After a sneeze, cough, or nose blow, it’s time for some hand hygiene action. Those respiratory germs can spread like wildfire, but a good hand wash can help prevent the spread.
- Public Surface Alert
Places like doorknobs and elevator buttons are like germ hotspots. After touching these, whip out the hand sanitizer or wash them instantly. No need to let germs hitch a ride with you.
Dispelling Myths about Hand Hygiene
There’s some false info floating around about hand hygiene. Let’s bust a few myths:
- Soap Doesn’t Kill Germs, It’s a Helper: Soap is like your trusty sidekick in the fight against germs. It doesn’t zap them away, but it helps to grab onto those sneaky germs and wash them away when you rinse your hands.
- Water Alone is Like a Tease: Just splashing water on your hands is a bit like trying to clean a dirty dish with a sprinkle. You need soap to break down the greasy stuff and kick those germs to the curb.
- Hand Sanitizer is Handy, but Not a Superhero: Hand sanitizer is like a pocket-sized germ buster, but it’s not a superhero. It’s great when soap and water aren’t around, but it’s not as good as washing with soap and water.
- Don’t Rush the Handwashing Dance: Think of washing your hands like a dance routine. You need a solid 20 seconds of scrubbing to really clean them up. Singing “Happy Birthday” twice can be your handwashing jam!
- Give All Parts of Your Hand Some Love: It’s not just your palms and fingers that need attention. Those sneaky germs love to hide between your fingers, under your nails, and even on the back of your hands. So, scrub every nook and cranny!
- Water Temperature: Hot water won’t make germs run away in fear. Warm water can be comfy, but the real germ-fighting magic happens with soap and a good scrub, no matter the water temperature.
- Germs Love Home Too: Germs don’t just hang out in public places. They can make themselves at home in your own space too. That’s why it’s important to keep up good hand hygiene everywhere you go.
Wrapping It Up
Hand hygiene can keep you remain healthy. By keeping your hands clean, you’re not just looking out for yourself but for everyone around you too. So, remember, a little hand love goes a long way in keeping those germs at bay!