Many people are familiar with the idea that a little dirt in your life helps to build up your immune system. But right along with that notion is the proven fact that handwashing is important. It does not matter if you are at home or at work, germs are everywhere throughout the day, and one of the best ways to fight these germs is to wash your hands properly.
An article on the Loma Linda University Health Health Library features the importance of handwashing and breaks it down into the following questions.
What is the best way to wash hands?
The best way to wash your hands is to do so often. Make sure you use clean, running, warm water whenever possible and apply soap to hands after moistening the skin. By applying a thick lather of soap up to the wrists and removing dirt from beneath your nails you will get the cleanest results when finished rinsing and drying.
How often should I wash my hands?
Essentially hands should be washed frequently — more often than most people do. The CDC recommends washing hands when involved in any of the following activities: preparing food, eating meals, treating injuries, going to the restroom, playing with animals or cleaning up after them, changing diapers or cleaning children, blowing your nose, couching or sneezing, taking out the trash, getting dirty, or when you in proximity to someone who is ill.
When you look at this list, it is easy to see how often we should be washing our hands throughout the day. Bacteria and germs are everywhere. So take the initiative and wash those germs down the drain.
For more tips on the best way to stay clean and wash your hands, be sure to read the full list of handwashing tips.