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Health Options
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Hand washing deters
more than colds
What do colds and food poisoning have in common? Besides making a person feel miserable, colds and many types of food poisoning are often contracted by transferring a virus or bacteria from hand to mouth. Another commonality is that one safety measure can prevent both conditions.Question: What is the most important thing you can do to avoid catching and spreading food-borne illness or colds?
Answer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that keeping hands clean is the most important thing you can do to prevent this.
Q: When are the most important times to wash your hands?
A: The simplistic answer is any time your hands are dirty, however that means more than just when your hands look dirty. Here are situations when washing can prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria.
Wash your hands:
» After using the restroom.
» Before, during and after preparing any food, especially produce that will be eaten fresh.
» After handling animals and especially after handling animal waste.
» After playing or working outside.
» After changing diapers or handling a baby's bottom.
» After touching any bare human body parts (ear, nose, mouth, hair, bottom, etc.).
» After disposing of rotten produce or handling garbage.
» After working with any type of soil, including organic.
» After smoking or doing other activities that dirty your hands.
A: Yes. When handling items that many other people touch, it is important to wash your hands. Examples of commonly touched items include any shared office equipment such as computer keyboards and mice, faxes, and phones; newspapers or magazines in common areas. Also, wash before and after all meet-and-greet activities and especially before and after staff meetings when food is served.
Q: What is the best way to assure your hands are clean?
A: Wash your hands with soap and water, and scrub vigorously for 20 seconds (don't forget under your nails), rinse and then dry with a clean towel. The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service encourages you to visit www.cleanhandscoalition.org
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