World Hand Hygiene Day

ER24 urges the community to be more aware of hygiene and wash their hands regularly and properly.

Every day people touch surfaces, equipment and a number of other objects without thinking twice.

With a view to World Hand Hygiene Day on 5 May, ER 24 hopes to create awareness and hygiene habits to improve better overall health.

While people cannot be paranoid about everything they touch, washing their hands before or after certain activities is vital.

Proper hand washing is one of the easiest things people can do to reduce the spread of infection and disease, said Chitra Bodasing, ER24 spokesperson.

Wash hands regularly, especially –

• Before eating

• Before preparing food. It is also important to wash your hands after handling any meat products to prevent the spread of bacteria that can result in food poisoning

• After coughing or sneezing into your hands or a tissue. After blowing your nose

• Before and after attending to a person who is sick

• After using the toilet

• When using any chemicals or household cleaners

• After touching animals

• Touching garbage or garbage bins

• When your hands are visibly soiled

“Washing your hands regularly only takes a few minutes of your day. This does not mean a simple, quick rinse with water only is adequate. An effective and inexpensive way to remove germs is by washing your hands with soap. You should wet your hands with water, apply enough soap to cover the surface of your hands, lather well and wash the surface of both hands. This includes your palms, the back of your hands, wrists, between each finger as well as under your fingernails. You should then rinse and dry your hands thoroughly. Alcohol-based hand rubs are also recommended.”

She also stressed the importance of teaching your children the importance of washing their hands.

Remember to set the example.

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