Even if you think you don’t need it, you’re probably due for a refresher when it comes to the art of proper hand washing. Simply rinsing your hands with water, or giving them a quick scrub with soap, is not enough. While a robust immune system is the best way to ensure that you stay healthy when you’re exposed to germs, regular hand washing is important, because it can drastically reduce the germs that get access to your body, especially when you do it at key times, such as before eating or touching your mouth, eyes and nose, and after using the restroom or visiting public areas.
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The trick is, hand washing is only effective if it’s done correctly, and studies have shown that most people are not really killing germs when they wash their hands.
Here’s how to wash your hands properly, to avoid spreading harmful bacteria:
- Use warm, running water and a mild soap (avoid antibacterial soap)
- Work up a good lather, all the way up to your wrists, scrubbing for at least 15 or 20 seconds (most people only wash for about 6 seconds)
- Make sure you cover all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers, and around and below your fingernails
- Rinse thoroughly under running water
- In public places, use a paper towel to open the door as a protection from germs that the handles may harbor
For top tips on how to boost your immunity and avoid illness, click here.