This is cold and flu season in central New York. One of the best way to stop the spread of germs is by washing your hands thoroughly. It's "National Handwashing Awareness Week", and we've got some healthful, helpful information.

Here are some tips on handwashing from an article by Danielle Jardine, MD on healthbytesnyc.com:

National Handwashing Awareness Week is December 1-7. Make sure you are washing your hands the right way to prevent the spread of cold and flu this season.

Handwashing: what is the best way to wash your hands?

Rule number one: wash your hands frequently, and always after using the restroom. Rub your entire hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. This includes the backs of your hands and between your fingers. If there’s a hand towel available, grab one. The good thing about drying your hands with a clean towel is that you can use the towel to turn off the faucet.

What is the best way to reduce germs?

Washing our hands frequently is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick during flu season and throughout the year. It’s also one of the most important steps we can take to keep from spreading germs from one person to another and throughout an entire community.

Soap vs. Hand Sanitizer

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. It doesn’t have to be antibacterial soap, either; any soap will work. As it turns out, antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than regular soap. Your next best choice after soap and water is an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizers, while effective at eliminating some germs, do not completely eliminate all germs, especially if hands are visibly dirty. They are most effective when rubbed over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until hands are totally dry."

 

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