I’ve never met anyone who got sick from clean habits, but I have known a lot of people who have suffered the consequences of not practicing cleanliness. Two of the easiest and most important things you can do to stay healthy is handwashing, and, keeping your hands from away from (touching) your face.

Wash your hands frequently and dry them thoroughly. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth because that is the easiest way to transfer germs and viruses into your system, and get sick.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says, “Clean Hands Save Lives!”

Here is some handwashing information I found on the internet from various websites. It is very useful. I suggest you make a lifetime commitment to proper handwashing.

When and How to Wash Your Hands
Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. If clean, running water is not accessible, use soap and available water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands. Note: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals. Hand sanitizers are not as effective (as soap and water) when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Rinsing your hands before you wash them may get rid of topical germs. After adding soap, lather up the soap by rubbing your hands together. Be sure to get the webs (between your fingers, including the web between your pointer finger and thumb). Continue rubbing for 15 -20 seconds. It is recommended that you wash your hands with a song. Singing your ABC’s, or Row, Row, Row Your Boat, or the Happy Birthday song, two or three times, ensures that you are spending adequate time washing your hands.

How to Use Hand Sanitizers
• Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label for the correct amount)
• Rub your hands together
• Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry

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, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage