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If you are looking for a quick, simple and inexpensive way to help yourself and your family stay healthy, consider applying what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refers to as the “do-it-yourself vaccine.” It’s another name for that miracle of modern medical science your grandmother called, “Go wash your hands!”
That’s right. In the fight against spreading communicable diseases, simply washing your hands is one of the best things you can do. It’s not rocket science, but there are a few steps that you need to follow if you want to get the most benefit.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water. The water doesn’t have to be hot; war or even cold water will do.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. You don’t need a fancy, expensive soap with an ‘antibacterial’ or ‘antimicrobial’ label. Ordinary, everyday bath soap works just fine. Don’t forget to lather between your fingers, under your nails and the backs of your hands.
- Take your time. You need to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds; about the time you’d need to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
- Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands. Air drying is best, but you can also use a clean towel.
For more information on the health benefits of hand washing visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html
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