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How dirty are your hands?

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Washing your hands may be one of the first things you were taught as a child, but you would be surprised at the number of people who don't wash their hands.

A recent study has found that 10% of people don't wash their hands after using the toilet; 33% don't use any soap and only 5% wash their hands well enough to get rid of germs that can cause infections.

Makes you think twice about shaking someone's hand again, doesn't it?

Many people don't realise that hand washing is the single most important thing we can do to improve public health. Many illnesses (including influenza, diarrhoea, pneumonia, cholera and chickenpox) are caused by viruses or bacteria being transferred from person to person by direct contact. Therefore, your first line of defence is as simple as washing your hands properly. The better you wash, the more likely you are to remove even tiny particles that, if allowed to get into your mouth, could make you seriously ill.

So what is the right way to wash your hands?

Here are five easy steps, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
  • Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  • Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
  • Rinse your hands well under running water.
  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

When should you wash your hands?

  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone who is sick
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

Need more convincing to become a regular hand washer? Check out this video of 10 Revolting Hygiene Facts. You might feel the need to take a full shower after watching this!

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