10 Reasons Why You Should Wash Your Hands
Growing up, how many times a day do you remember hearing, “Make sure you wash your hand.” A dozen I bet. Below you will find the importance of washing your hands.
1. Prevent The Spread of Germs
Bacteria and viruses are everywhere although the naked cannot see them. These germs can cause infections like Salmonella, Influenza and Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Properly washing your hands removes a majority of the bacteria that cause these diseases. Gems can be transferred from a contaminated object like a friend’s hand to your hand. And just that easy you can become ill if those germs and bacteria are left on your hands and enter your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes. The germs will create toxins that will make you sick.
2. Saves Money
You can get very sick from not washing your hands. Washing your hands often is less expensive than a hospital stay or a doctor’s office visit. Bacteria can get you very ill and, in some cases, can even lead to death. So why not avoid the avoidable, and just wash your hands. Who doesn’t like to save time and money?
3. Keeps You Healthy
You should wash your hands before and after you eat, handle food and drinks, touch your hair and face, sneeze, cough and using the restroom. Don’t dry your hands on your clothes and do not use a common hand towel. Those are easy ways to contaminate your hands. Did you know that the temperature of the water adds little to no will help to remove those gross microorganisms? Most pathogens start to die at around 140°F (60°C) and 158°F (70°C). Water temperatures this hot can cause skin damage. Focus on scrubbing, rinsing and drying your hands properly.
4. Door Handles Are Filthy
Doors are everywhere which means door handles are pretty much everywhere. I enjoy going to places that have automatic doors, but unfortunately, these doors aren’t everywhere. When the opportunity presents, use a paper towel as a barrier between your hands and door handles, and hand sanitizer afterward.
5. Office Desk Is Dirty
An office itself is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Desk surfaces can have more germs on it than a toilet seat. Bacteria is on the keyboard, mouse, and even the phone. With that in mind, try to eat in the breakroom. If your day is busy and you find yourself taking lunch at your desk keep your desk stocked with moist antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer. After you’re done eating throw away the trash, refrigerate leftovers. Clean the surface with hot, soapy water, rinse and dry. When you’re done remember to wash your hands. These tips will help you maintain a sanitary space you eat and help you avoid recontamination of your hands as you continue through your workday.
6. Everyone’s doing it
This is not the time to stand on your own and not follow the crowd. This is the time that you see others doing and you do it as well. This is a trend that you should follow. Clean hands are important since you touch your nose, face, and mouth and that’s the best way to catch an illness. Everyone focuses on washing your hands with soap and water but how you dry them is just as important. Using your pants as a towel is not the way. That’s just gross and lazy.
7. Prevents Spreading of Germs
Once germs and bacteria have entered your system you can experience symptoms ranging from stomach discomfort and diarrhea to death. Washing your hands properly removes dirt and germs that can be spread and in turn help others and the environment. After covering your mouth to cough, whipping your nose after a sneeze, cleaning yourself after using the restroom wash your hands.
8. Less Susceptible of Getting Pink Eye
Not only is pink eye painful but its also very unattractive. Viruses and bacteria can cause pink eye. These germs can stay on your fingers and transfer to your eye when you touch them, even unintentionally doing so. Direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids usually through hand-to-eye contact will do the dirty deed. Do you have dogs? The fecal matter left on your hands from picking up dog poop and also cause pink eye. You should wash your hands before you touch your face.
9. You, Will, Look Dirty
Appearance is everything. If you look dirty you probably are. Why would you ever want to leave someone with that impression of you, if it’s far from the truth? First impressions are what people walk away thinking about you. Just wash your hands, it’s simple and takes less than a minute if done properly. Noticeable dirt building up under your nails and on your hands looks disgusting. There are already about 1,500 bacteria per square centimeter of your hand. if you are somewhere and can’t wash your hands, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be a temporary alternative. The alcohol in the sanitizer works by destroying germs and breaking the bacteria cell membrane. After applying hand sanitizer continue to rub your hands together until they are dry.
10. It’s Just Gross Not To
If you don’t wash your hands for your safety at least do it for the safety of others. Washing and drying your hands is very important but it’s more effective if done correctly. Wet your hands with running water and then apply liquid soap. Vigorously lather the soap very well by rubbing both sides your hands together and between your fingers for about 30 seconds. Remember, don’t be nasty. Clean under your fingernails. Rinse the soap off thoroughly. Then dry with a dry clean paper towel or a warm-air hand dryer. Don’t throw the paper towel away just yet! Remember, door handles are filthy. Use it to turn off the faucet and to open the door. Then throw away the paper towel. It will be useless to wash your hands just to add even more bacteria and germs to them than what was on them before.
