Always Wash Your Hands When…

Washing your hands with soap and water is important to stop the spread of germs. Soap is really the star ingredient, because of its ability to stick to the dirt and germs for the water to carry away. People touch their faces, noses, eyes, and mouths way more than most of us realize. It’s subconscious. The less we all wash our hands, the more contaminated our surroundings are, and the easier germs spread. On the other hand, we can’t just stand at a sink all day. So, when should you absolutely always wash your hands?

• You should always wash your hands before, during, and after preparing food, along with before and after eating food.
• If you are caring for someone who is sick, you should wash your hands before and after contact with them.
• It is important to always wash your hands before and after treating a cut or wound. You should always wash your hands after changing a diaper, helping someone else use the restroom, or going to the bathroom yourself.
• After you blow your nose, sneeze, or cough, you should stop and wash your hands. If you’ve handled animal food, animal waste, or touched an animal, you should wash your hands - yes even your pet.
• You should always wash your hands after handling garbage.

This may seem like a lot at first, but after a little time and effort, it will become second nature and you won’t even have to think about it!