Hand Washing Information

Why is hand washing important?

Many common health issues arise due to the lack of hand washing. These include the common cold, the flu, diarrhea, vomiting, and hepatitis. Through day-to-day activities dirt and germs can accumulate on your hands. In turn, your hands can serve as a vector to pass these germs along to yourself and others. Infections are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, surpassed only by heart disease.

When should you wash your hands?

Although it is impractical to think that your hands can be 100% germ-free at all times, there are some specific situations where hand washing is vital:

After using bathroom
After changing diaper
After blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing
After handling un-cooked food
Before handling or eating food
After handling garbage
After handling money
After playing with a pet
Before and after visiting a hospital