The Importance of Washing Your Hands

December 1st through 7th is National Handwashing Awareness Week. In the two years, the importance of handwashing has become even more prominent with the rise of COVID-19. And with flu season being right around the corner, there's many reasons to stay on top of keep your hands clean.

While we're always taught to wash our hands before every meal and after using the restroom, it's also important to remember that germs don't care what time of day it is or what activity you're doing. Everything you touch has germs, good or bad.

Here are a few things you can do to make sure you're washing your hands as effectively as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to cover all areas of your hands, even the hard to reach places, like the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. They also recommend drying your hands with a clean, dry towel. 

Not only does washing your hands prevent COVID or the flu, but it's proven to prevent 1 in three diarrhea-related illnesses and 1 in 5 infections. Stay safe and stay healthy!