It seems as though there is a national day or week or even month for nearly everything.
Many organizations draw attention to their message via special days on the calendar. Dec. 2-8 is designated Hand Washing Awareness Week.
This is of particular interest to your Dallas County Health Department. According to the U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control), clean hands are key to avoiding getting sick yourself and/or spreading germs to others.
The CDC website has tips and infographics to post in your workplace in order to widen awareness of the importance of handy hygiene.
Washing with running water and soap is the best way to get rid of germs. Proper hand washing includes these steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry. Pay attention to the backs of your hands and under your nails.
If water is unavailable for hand washing, the CDC suggests using an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Running water is better because sanitizers don’t get rid of all types of germs.
Additionally, using hand sanitizer won’t rinse away bits of contaminants stuck to your skin (think diaper changing.) Only running water will thoroughly wash away all the impurities clinging to your hands.
Finally, hand sanitizer is not recommended for young children.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Health Department.
