Did you know something as simple as washing your hands has an entire month dedicated to its importance? That’s right! December is national handwashing awareness month. While most of us are taught as children to wash our hands before we eat or after using the restroom, it’s also important to be aware of what your hands are touching throughout the day.
Germs are Everywhere
Germs are lurking on the handrail of every stairway you use. They're all over the touchscreens you tap at the grocery store and your favorite coffee shop. They wait to hitch a ride every time you grab the gas nozzle to fill up your car or truck.
These colonies of germs peak from December through May. Think of it as the trouble-making prime of their lives. It's when they easily spread from person to person every time someone coughs, sneezes or simply talks. Droplets from an infected person float through the air and are inhaled by others.
Germs can travel up to three feet and can land on anything and everything like doorknobs, desks and tables. If someone touches their eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact with a contaminated surface, they may become ill.
Protect Yourself
There's an easy way to protect yourself. Wash your hands often to avoid getting and spreading illnesses.
Sure, it's impossible to keep your hands germ-free all the time, but frequent hand washing limits the transfer of bacteria and viruses. You only need soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
How to Properly Wash Your Hands
What's the best way to wash your hands? Here's a simple how-to:
- Wet your hands with warm or cold running water.
- Apply liquid, bar or powder soap to lather up. Rub your hands together briskly for at least 20 seconds. Hint: A common way to get the time right is to sing the “Happy Birthday" song twice while you wash your hands.
- Scrub all surfaces of your hands and wrists. Give attention to the backs of your hands and wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
- Rinse well and dry your hands with a clean cloth or disposable towel. An air dryer offers a no-touch option. Hint: Use a towel or your elbow to turn off the faucet when you can.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a portable way to get the germs off your hands when soap and water aren't available. Not all hand sanitizers are the same, though. Choose one that's at least 60% alcohol.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can kill bacteria and some viruses. They don't work against norovirus, a common virus that can cause serious illness.
While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a safe and effective alternative when you can't wash, old-fashioned soap and water is your best choice for really getting clean.
When Should You Wash?
There are some good rules of thumb to follow when it comes to wiping out those nasty, illness-causing germs on your hands.
Lather up to help protect your health before:
- cooking and eating
- inserting and removing contact lenses
- treating wounds, giving medicine and caring for sick or injured people
Lather up to help protect your health after:
- using the bathroom or changing a diaper
- touching an animal or animal toys, leashes or waste
- handling garbage
- blowing your nose
- coughing or sneezing into your hands
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Know Where to go for Care
As we enter the colder months, you may find yourself sick and needing medical care – no matter how much you've washed your hands. To find out where to go for care:
Provider Finder®
To find a doctor or hospital: