DECEMBER 4-10, 2017
Each December the U.S. celebrates National Handwashing Awareness Week to educate children, parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals and educators on the merits of washing your hands with soap and water.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family and co-workers from getting sick. Washing your hands is also one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all settings, from the home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community.
During National Handwashing Awareness Week, the Unitex family encourages children, parents, caregivers, educators and healthcare professionals to practice elements of hand hygiene by following these six steps outlined by Lori Downs, a board-certified infectious disease preventionist.
- Wash your hands with lukewarm water to prevent swelling and stripping of oils.
- Wet hands first with water, then apply the amount of product recommended by the manufacturer.
- Liquid, bar, leaflet or powdered forms of plain soap are acceptable with a non-antimicrobial soap and water.
- Rub hands together vigorously, covering all the surfaces of the hands and fingers. Total hand washing time should be at least 15 seconds but should not exceed 1 minute.
- Finally, rinse hands with water and dry thoroughly with a disposable towel. Use towel to turn off faucet.
- Multi-use clot towels of the hanging or roll type are not recommended for use in healthcare settings.
For more about handwashing visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/features/handwashing.