Did you know?

Keyboards are believed to be 20,000 times dirtier than some of the dirtiest things around us – for example: toilet seats!!

Germs are everywhere!

Thus, the risk of infection is everywhere!

People, objects, surfaces, knobs/handles/doors of public areas and transports, toilet seats, your own body parts and what not. Your hands go through so much throughout the day! Not only are micro-organisms accumulated on your own hands, but are also spread to others with mere one touch.

While it is almost impossible to keep oneself completely germ-free, one can definitely take preventive measures and reduce the number of germs thus decreasing the chances of falling prey to an infection.

Step number 1 to prevent infection – HAND WASH.

Get yourself and your children into the habit.

When to Wash

1. Before:

a. Cooking/eating

b. Treating wounds/caring for a sick person

c. Inserting/removing contact lenses

2. After:

a. Using the toilet / changing a diaper

b. Touching an animal/animal feed

c. Blowing your nose/coughing or sneezing

d. Treating wounds/caring for a sick person

e. Handling garbage or other waste

f. When they are visibly dirty

How to Wash

—–> Wet your palms under running water (running water is always a better option).

—–> Apply/take an adequate amount of the liquid, bar or powder soap in the palms and rub together for at least 20 seconds until a rich lather is formed. The front, back, wrist, fingers, nails, areas in-between the fingers must all be scrubbed thoroughly.

—–> Rinse off.

—–> Use a clean towel to wipe dry.

Sanitizer – The Alternative

Sanitizers are alternative products to conventional hand washes when water and soaps are not available. They work without water. Alcohol sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol are most recommended.

How to Use

Take a generous amount of the product (sufficient amount that will wet your hands fully) into both your palms and rub palms together on all sides and in many directions until the palms are dry. You’re good to go.

Can Children Use an Alcohol-Sanitizer?

Of course (when water and soap aren’t available)! Kids need clean hands the most since they explore the environment much more than an adult. However, make sure that they do not internally consume the product. Store the container away, safely after use.

Help children stay healthy by encouraging them to wash their hands frequently. Wash your hands with your child to show him or her how it’s done. To prevent rushing, suggest washing hands for as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice. If your child can’t reach the sink on his or her own, keep a step stool handy.

Just these simple little things can be really helpful in a broader perspective of reducing the risk of infections. Happy Health!