Hand Washing
The Importance of Hand Washing
Ashley Hudson
Fortis College
Did you know that regular hand washing is the most essential factor for maintaining good health? Every human being comes in contact with germs and bacteria in their daily life.
These harmful microorganisms are present all around us like on the door knobs, faucets, light switches, stair railings, etc. People touch these things while doing their routine work, without thinking much about it and with the same hands touch their face, eyes, nose and sometimes eat food, too. While performing these acts, the germs and bacteria get into our body, causing several diseases. According to Jacqueline M. Smith, RN, BN, and Dyan B. Lokhorst, RN, CHPCN(C), BN (November, 2009) The World Health Organization tried control the spread of infections by promoting hand hygiene health. Hence, it is important for all of us to know and educate others with the right methods to follow, to lead a healthy lifestyle.(p.1) There are many people who think that washing hands frequently is a waste of time. However, they are unaware that our hands are host to many bacteria and viruses that can cause infectious diseases. Master of Science in Nursing major Sheree Smith stated, Smith (2009) “Healthcare associated infection is a major problem in the UK causing 5000 deaths every year. Current guidelines indicate expert opinion is the level of evidence for hand washing as an activity to reduce infection.” (p.1) 5000 deaths per year, still think hand washing it a waste of time?
Not many people know how to wash their hands properly. Cleaning hands does not mean just running water over your palms. It has to be done very carefully and in detail. Along with warm water, the most essential thing required to wash your hands is soap. “Take enough soap to cover all sides of your hands, then rub palm to palm, before rubbing palm of hand to back of hand with fingers interlaced, on both sides. Proceed to rub palm to palm again, with fingers
Ashley Hudson
Fortis College
Did you know that regular hand washing is the most essential factor for maintaining good health? Every human being comes in contact with germs and bacteria in their daily life.
These harmful microorganisms are present all around us like on the door knobs, faucets, light switches, stair railings, etc. People touch these things while doing their routine work, without thinking much about it and with the same hands touch their face, eyes, nose and sometimes eat food, too. While performing these acts, the germs and bacteria get into our body, causing several diseases. According to Jacqueline M. Smith, RN, BN, and Dyan B. Lokhorst, RN, CHPCN(C), BN (November, 2009) The World Health Organization tried control the spread of infections by promoting hand hygiene health. Hence, it is important for all of us to know and educate others with the right methods to follow, to lead a healthy lifestyle.(p.1) There are many people who think that washing hands frequently is a waste of time. However, they are unaware that our hands are host to many bacteria and viruses that can cause infectious diseases. Master of Science in Nursing major Sheree Smith stated, Smith (2009) “Healthcare associated infection is a major problem in the UK causing 5000 deaths every year. Current guidelines indicate expert opinion is the level of evidence for hand washing as an activity to reduce infection.” (p.1) 5000 deaths per year, still think hand washing it a waste of time?
Not many people know how to wash their hands properly. Cleaning hands does not mean just running water over your palms. It has to be done very carefully and in detail. Along with warm water, the most essential thing required to wash your hands is soap. “Take enough soap to cover all sides of your hands, then rub palm to palm, before rubbing palm of hand to back of hand with fingers interlaced, on both sides. Proceed to rub palm to palm again, with fingers