Washing your hands is probably something you don’t even think about. It’s one of those tasks you just do, or sometimes do. And although it’s a brainless process, surprisingly a recent Michigan State University found that 95 percent of people don’t wash hands long enough to effectively kill germs. I myself, am a very clean person but will admit there are plenty of times when I rush through the process.
Washing your hands is imperative to reducing the risk of getting sick. Being healthy also has it’s added benefits including making you happy! Here are some tips that can help make sure you and your family are taking the best steps in banishing those germs that could be hanging out on your hands.
Scrub it Good
You should take time to scrub your hands extra good. Pay attention to under your fingernails, as this can be a breeding place for germs. Get in between each finger and any creases in your hands as well. Don’t be afraid to get in there, and scrub those hands extra good. An extra good scrub can make all the difference.
Choose a Good Soap
Scrubbing hard is not effective if you use water alone. In order to really make a difference and most effectively wash your hands, you should choose a good soap. I love having natural hand cleaners in my home as it makes me feel like I am protecting my family and providing the best defense on banishing germs. You’ll want to make sure to choose a soap that is safe on your skin and good for the environment.
Sing Happy Birthday
You know the song, so now it’s your turn to sing it twice (and no it doesn’t have to be out loud) “We tell kids and adults to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice,” says Roshini Raj, MD, attending physician at NYU Medical Center. Since it has been shown that most people don’t wash their hands long enough, this can be a simple method to implement in your routine to make sure you are taking enough time to effectively kill germs.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Hot
Some people think that the water must be hot to be effective. In fact, a study from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee found that cold water reduced levels of bacteria just as well as hot water, as long as hands were scrubbed, rinsed, and dried properly. So water temperature really doesn’t matter, just take time to do it right!
Dry Me Out
When you are done washing your hands, it is important to dry them. “Germs love to breed in moisture”, says Dr. Raj. So just as taking care to scrub your hands good, take extra time to make sure you leave with your hands dry.
Pocket Sanitize
If you don’t have access to do a thorough hand washing job, it’s always a great idea to use a liquid hand sanitizer to put a stop to those germs. Think of the places germs may be lingering, you might find them on shopping carts or even shaking someone’s hand. Throw some in a pocket or purse to keep on hand. No pun intended!
So here’s to scrubbing your hands a little harder and a littler longer to help in keeping those germs away.