Clean hands saves lives

Hand washing is one of the most crucial things that keep one healthy, yet the most neglected. Clean hands are key to preventing many infectious diseases and to avoid becoming sick often.

Viruses and bacteria can easily spread when hands are not washed correctly and frequently. In fact, it may shock you to know that your hands are the dirtiest and bacteria-packed part of your body, yet it is what you use to eat and do everything.

According to Dr. Muhammad Umar of General Hospital Bwari, the most common illnesses you can get if you don’t keep your hands clean include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, respiratory infections, flu, worm infestation and even typhoid.

To stay healthy, washing your hands properly is the most important thing you can make a habit. So how do you do it effectively?

- Wet them with warm water

- Apply soap, or preferably, an antibacterial hand-wash and lather them well for at least 30 seconds.

- Rinse very well and dry with tissue. It is best not to use a towel as it is also prone to bacteria.

Also, using a hand sanitiser on visibly unclean hands doesn’t do much. Washing them is still very important, no matter how many times a day you may use a hand sanitiser.

Although we have stated how frequently you should wash your hands, it is more important to ensure especially when you are preparing food, before you eat, after leaving a hospital or attending to an ill person, after using the toilet, touching animals or shaking hands with people. You would never know what bacteria and viruses you may have contacted during these interactions. So, in order to prevent infection or giving it to someone else, wash your hands.