One of the best ways to keep you and your family healthy is by properly washing your hands. Despite being taught to wash our hands as children, many of us don’t know the proper techniques for washing our hands correctly, or how often we should be performing this important task. We’ll walk you through the proper steps as laid out by the leading health organizations around the globe such as the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
When should you wash your hands?
The major health organizations have a general list of activities that they recommend washing your hands before, during and after.
Wash your hands before preparing and eating food; treating a cut or wound; or caring for someone who is ill.
Wash your hands during food preparation.
Wash your hands after food preparation; treating a cut or wound; using the restroom; changing a diaper; cleaning a child who has used the restroom; coming in contact with animals, animal food, or animal waste (pets included); after coming in contact with garbage; blowing your nose; sneezing; coughing; caring for someone who is ill
What are the proper hand washing steps?
To effectively kill germs and help prevent the spread of infectious disease, it’s important that you know how to properly wash your hands. Following these steps will help keep you and your loved ones healthy.
Get your hands wet using clean, running water. Turn off the tap and then apply your soap. The water can be any temperature, you don’t need to have hot water. Also, any soap will do, you don’t necessarily need antibacterial soap.
Work the soap into a lather by rubbing your hands together with the soap. Be sure to lather every part of your hands front and back as well as between your fingers and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have a watch or a clock available, this is roughly the amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. You can use that to make sure you reach 20 seconds.
Rinse your hands using clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or let them air dry.
To see proper hand washing technique in action, please watch this video from the CDC:
How long should you wash your hands?
It’s recommended that you wash your hands for 20 seconds once you’ve wet your hands and lathered them up.
How should you dry your hands?
While many people pay attention to how they wash their hands, it’s easy to ruin the process by drying your hands correctly. Having clean towels are critical to keeping your hands clean. Once you’ve rinsed your hands, be sure to use a clean towel or air dry them if a clean towel is not available.
Can I use hand sanitizer instead of washing my hands?
The CDC recommends the use of soap over hand sanitizer for getting rid of germs. This is because hand sanitizers aren’t as effective at getting rid of all types of germs, and they also don’t work as well removing certain chemicals and metals. Another issue with hand sanitizers is that they often don’t work well if your hands are greasy or caked with dirt or contaminants. That said, running water and soap aren’t always readily available. In these cases, they recommend using a hand sanitizer that has a minimum alcohol content of 60%. Any sanitizer you purchase should have the percentage listed on the label.
How to properly use hand sanitizer
Using hand sanitizer effectively is very similar to some of the steps for proper hand washing. These are the correct steps for using hand sanitizer:
Apply the sanitizer into one of your palms, using the amount recommended on the sanitizer’s label.
Rub your hands together as if you were using soap, covering all areas of your hands including between your fingers, the fronts and backs, and the fingernails.
Rub the sanitizer over your hands for 20 seconds or until the sanitizer has dried.
Today and every day, we thank our esteemed @wastemedic clients. As #LaborDay dawns, may it usher in moments of delight and rejuvenation in the company of loved ones. On this occasion, let's reflect on the significance of diligence and unwavering commitment. Here's to a day of honoring hard work and embracing the rewards it brings. 🌟
Healthcare organizations face unique challenges when it comes to managing medical waste. At WasteMedic, we understand the importance of a well-structured plan for bio-hazardous waste and sharps disposal.
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@wastemedic provides compliant transportation, treatment and disposal of regulated medical waste at competitive and fair pricing. Our specialists evaluate and identify measures to control your medical waste disposal cost. Our success is built upon solid relationships, and our clients are our priority.
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Happy Fourth of July! On this day, as we honor our soldiers and freedom fighters, let us use it as a reminder to treat one another with loyalty and respect and to work each day to be the best citizens we can be for our country.
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Are you currently facing high expenses for your #MedicalWaste disposal services? Are you experiencing difficulties with price increases and additional charges that are impacting your financial performance? Waste Medic can help.
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There has never been a more challenging time to lead or work within a healthcare facility – we get it. With the ever changing-complexities, increased expenses and expanding demands placed on you and your team, you should never need to worry about the cost, reliability, or customer service you receive from your medical waste service provider.
At @wastemedic, we pride ourselves on keeping our pricing fair, simple and transparent and our customer service accessible, friendly, and as responsive as you can get. Because of this honest approach, we have been one of the country's fastest-growing medical waste management companies since opening our doors nearly a decade ago.
Medical waste generation varies between organizations. However, it's crucial to have a reliable waste disposal plan in place. @wastemedic is here to assist you with our expertise and dependable response to both scheduled and unforeseen waste disposal needs. Our services will ensure the safety of your staff, patients, and the public and preserve the environment. With our support, you can concentrate on sustaining your business operations.
Chemotherapy generates some of the most hazardous waste in the medical industry, so when it comes to medical waste disposal, healthcare providers that manage chemotherapy will find that it is a critical aspect of their healthcare waste management plan.
Waste Medic helps you dispose of your chemotherapy waste cost-effectively, efficiently and, most importantly – within compliance.
The amount of medical waste generated varies from organization to organization, but a regular plan for biohazardous waste disposal is critical. @wastemedic can help. Complete the form, and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly with a customized quote.
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Christmas is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and those who have helped to shape our business. It’s been quite a year for @WasteMedic… we have expanded our team, our services and our coverage area! We hope that 2022 has been just as memorable for you, your colleagues and your loved ones. The team at Waste Medic wishes you every happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year.