A number of infectious diseases can be transmitted from one person to another by contaminated hands. When performed correctly, hand-washing becomes the single most effective method to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and infections. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, we as a society have learned that it is just not about washing our hands, but practicing proper hand hygiene. Using soap & water to scrub it for at least 20 seconds, covering nails, finger tips, thumbs, and spaces between the fingers is the correct way to wash our hands. Nowadays, alcohol-based hand rubs keep you covered, if soap and running water is unavailable.
Here we’ve listed some of the major benefits of this healthy habit:
1. Cut down the spread of infections
Isn’t a pandemic enough to open our eyes to maintain good hand hygiene? If the right technique of hand-washing is enough to break the chain of spreading COVID-19 infection, then it can fairly combat other common diseases. Our eyes, nose, and mouth are the first pathways for nasty microbes to enter the body, but knowing the methods of proper hand washing reduces the odds of getting infected, mainly from respiratory tract infections, such as cold and flu.
2. Create a safer work environment
Why do doctors ask us to avoid large groups of people as a means to dodge illnesses? It isn’t necessary that everyone would know the basic ways of preventing the spread of infections. In offices, if one employee gets sick, it doesn’t take too long to hear that other co-workers are under the weather as well. It’s a matter of facilitating workplaces with proper amenities and promoting the idea of clean hands that can improve the health of your employees, clients, and even your society altogether.
3. Less food-borne diseases
Believe it or not, almost every other food-borne disease arises from unsanitary practices. You can’t blame unfamiliar restaurants or food joints for not maintaining high-quality standards, if you aren’t diligent about hand hygiene at home. It’s essential to wash your hands before and after preparing and serving food. Spending a few seconds can prevent you and your near ones from major illnesses.
4. Fight off the lingering bacteria
Think of all the things you touch in a day, like doorknobs, mobile screens, switches, groceries, to name just a few. While viruses that are able to survive on any of these surfaces get transferred to your hand, certain bacteria are very resilient and are masters of staying alive far longer. It is crucial to learn the technique of proper hand-washing (rubbing, cuticles, fingernails, tips effectively) to simply stay away from getting ill.
5. Keep children healthier
Every year, thousands of children suffer from chronic ailments, such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and cholera, while many even cause fatalities. The basic, yet important, practice of maintaining good hand hygiene can cut down the spread of infections at schools, daycare centers, and at home. Keeping those tiny hands clean and germ-free is a cornerstone of building a healthy tomorrow.
Final Thought-
This Global Hand-washing Day, let’s address the benefits of having clean hands and foster a simple, healthy habit to younger generations. As we have entered into the culture of “new normal”, this year’s theme “Our Future is at Hand – Let’s Move Forward Together” signifies how the future state of hygiene is in our hands.
