While hand washing is certainly not something new in the arsenal against infections, it is something that people just don't do enough.

Germs accumulate on your hands as you go about your daily routine. By not washing your hands you can acquire or pass on a host of ailments, from the common cold to more serious diseases.

The Center for Disease Control offers these instructions for proper hand washing:
· Use soap and running water.
· Rub hands vigorously.
· Wash all surfaces including backs of hands etc.
· Rinse well
· Dry hands with a singe-use towel
· Turn off faucet using a paper towel.

Although it's impossible to always keep your hands germ free there are times when it's more important to wash.

Always wash:

· Before eating
· After using the bathroom
· After changing diapers. (Be sure to wash your child's hands too)
· Before and after handling raw meat poultry or fish.
· After touching animals
· After handling money
· After blowing your nose
· After coughing or sneezing
· Before and after treatment of wounds
· Before and after touching a sick or injured person
· After handling garbage.

In order to help protect your child's health, choose a childcare provider who practices sound hygiene, including frequent hand washing. Toys are another important part of the hygiene picture. Look for child-care centers where plastic toys are washed at least daily and stuffed toys weekly.

For household cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom, ordinary cleaners like ammonia, bleach, and chlorine kill germs effectively.

Here are some tips that will help decrease your risk of spreading or contracting disease:

· Wash your hands often.
· Get vaccinated. Immunization can drastically reduce your chances of contracting diseases.
· Use antibiotics sensibly. Only take antibiotics when necessary and if they're prescribed, take them exactly as directed.
· Stay at home if you have symptoms of an infection. Don't send your children to school if they have signs or symptoms of illness.
· Be smart about food preparation. Keep counters and other kitchen surfaces clean.
· Disinfect the key areas of the house where disease may spread. These include the kitchen and bathroom.
· Don't share personal items. Avoid sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils.

A little common sense and proper precautions can help you avoid infectious agents and keep them from spreading to others.

Dr. Adams provides outstanding healthcare for the entire family. He is accepting new patients at Methodist at Mt. Hawley – Family Practice.

Source: www.cdc.gov