With almost two years into post-pandemic lifestyle, we all understand the importance of being aware of how easy it is to spread germs. Now, we’re upon National Hand Washing Awareness Week, so let’s do this week the honor of refreshing our hand washing skills.

LATHER up those paws. RINSE those mitts. And REPEAT as needed. Be sure to go at least 20 seconds, or those soap molecules can’t do their job properly.

In addition, here are some other things to think about while you’re washing those hands!

KEEP THOSE HANDS AWAY FROM YOUR FACE!

A past study has shown a person touches their face as much as 23 times in one hour. Do your best to touch your face less, but don’t let it stress you out.

HOW MUCH DO YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH COMMONLY-TOUCHED SURFACES?

Doorknobs. Light Switches. Shopping carts. Stair railings. Phones. This list is endless. You can’t NOT touch these things, but being aware of what surfaces are high-touch or shared can go a long way to reducing the spread of germs.

WASH MORE OFTEN THAN YOU THINK NECESSARY

Just home from work? Just arrived at work? Make a habit to immediately wash  your hands when you walk in the door. Further, extend this lesson to your kids. We learn these habits at a young age, so let’s start now!

Want to see just how clean your hands are?? Here’s a fun experiment on hand hygiene with the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Try with your kids to teach how easily germs can spread. 

COUGHING AND SNEEZING

Coughing and sneezing are some of the easiest ways to spread germs. One study has shown the average cough or sneeze can send around 100,000 contagious germs into the air at speeds up to 100 miles per hour! Make a habit of sneezing or coughing into your elbow to reduce the spread of germs, and for good measure, wash those hands after a sneezing or coughing fit too.

—-
Family Fun: Looking for another fun way to show your kids how quickly germs can spread? Try this experiment out!

Seeing the results of touching things after we have come into contact with surfaces can give us valuable insight into the importance of washing our hands. Sometimes we have to SEE it to believe it-particularly with kids (although, aren’t we ALL kids at heart?)

—-
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips from Work Right NW!