Tips for National Handwashing Awareness Week

OLATHE, KS — ITW Dymon offers tips for proper handwashing in honor of National Handwashing Awareness Week, December 2–8, according to a press release.

A report from the Commonwealth Fund says that an estimated 55 million U.S. workers annually experience reduced productivity due to illness or the inability to concentrate on the job due to a family member’s illness, the release stated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says proper handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs that cause infection and illness since 80 percent of diseases are spread by touch, the release noted.

To contain the spread of germs, hands should be washed:

• After using the restroom
• After changing diapers
• After cleaning up after pets or handling money
• Before and after eating
• After coughing or sneezing
• After touching eyes, nose, mouth, ears or hair.

To prevent epidemics or pandemics through handwashing, remember to:

1. Wet hands with warm water (not hot) and use antiseptic soap
2. Rub your hands together, making sure to scrub all areas including under the fingernails
3. Rub for a minimum of 15-20 seconds
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Dry hands on a clean towel
6. Turn faucet off with towel, not hands, to prevent recontamination.

Click here to read the release in its entirety.