We all know that keeping your hands germ free is the best way to avoid getting sick. Although the act of washing your hands may sound simple enough, in reality, about 90% of people are washing their hands incorrectly or using faulty hand sanitizers.
So, how does one sanitize his/her hands properly? A recent study showed when students used a hand sanitizer with under 60% ethanol, there was no reduction in CFU (colony-forming units), meaning it was completely ineffective. However, after rubbing their hands together for 15 seconds using a hand sanitizer of 62% alcohol, nearly 90% of the germs were killed. So when you're picking up a hand sanitizer from the supermarket, be sure to check the label for the correct alcohol content. Most hand gels found in stores are between 60% and 90% alcohol, but some restaurants and businesses may purchase cheap brands, which often only contain around 40%.
How does one wash hands correctly? When washing your hands, always scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds, and turn off the tap with a paper towel. A recent study showed that washing hands with tap water alone may reduce the amount of visible dirt on your hands but it does not reduce the number of germs on your skin. If you're not using soap, your hand washing is doing nothing.
Keeping your hands clean is the best way to prevent catching illnesses. It gets rid of germs you've picked up from touching other people, surfaces and animals. Hands should be disinfected before meals, after using the restroom, changing a diaper, touching any bodily fluids (vomit, blood, saliva, etc), touching animals or their toys and food, dressing a wound, changing your contacts, and whenever they look dirty. If somebody in the household is sick hands should be washed more often.
So, how does one sanitize his/her hands properly? A recent study showed when students used a hand sanitizer with under 60% ethanol, there was no reduction in CFU (colony-forming units), meaning it was completely ineffective. However, after rubbing their hands together for 15 seconds using a hand sanitizer of 62% alcohol, nearly 90% of the germs were killed. So when you're picking up a hand sanitizer from the supermarket, be sure to check the label for the correct alcohol content. Most hand gels found in stores are between 60% and 90% alcohol, but some restaurants and businesses may purchase cheap brands, which often only contain around 40%.
How does one wash hands correctly? When washing your hands, always scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds, and turn off the tap with a paper towel. A recent study showed that washing hands with tap water alone may reduce the amount of visible dirt on your hands but it does not reduce the number of germs on your skin. If you're not using soap, your hand washing is doing nothing.
Keeping your hands clean is the best way to prevent catching illnesses. It gets rid of germs you've picked up from touching other people, surfaces and animals. Hands should be disinfected before meals, after using the restroom, changing a diaper, touching any bodily fluids (vomit, blood, saliva, etc), touching animals or their toys and food, dressing a wound, changing your contacts, and whenever they look dirty. If somebody in the household is sick hands should be washed more often.