Hand washing....something so simple, something we do frequently everyday (we DO, don't we?) but it can make such a huge difference in the spread of bacteria and viruses. Worried about picking up cold or flu bugs? Who isn't?
Warning: I will be mentioning cross contamination and some icky things.
First let's talk about microorganisms. Most microorganisms are harmless to man. We have 'resident' microorganisms that thrive on and in our bodies. Some bacteria are necessary for healthy living...those that live in our intestinal tract insure we digest that musubi properly. Other bacteria, like those in our noses, can cause horrendous problems.
Just think, right now you have more bacteria thriving on you than the population of our country! (ah, ha! caught you lookin'!) But again...most are harmless. It's the few that are mean buggahs that can do us harm. Things like Staph, Strep, MRSA, C. Diff, viruses like H1N1 (swine flu) can reek havoc on a person.
Microorganisms can be classified as RESIDENT...those we co-exist with daily. Kinda like kama'aina! And then we have TRANSIENT microorganisms...those who just come visit us (like relatives from the mainland?). We can pick up transient microorganisms from person to person contact or from touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, tables, shopping carts, etc.
The trick is to keep all of those microorganisms from getting INTO our bodies through our mouths, noses, eyes, open wounds/sores or other areas (think on that a minute, please!) Scratch a cold sore, rub your eye....you have troubles, my friend! Grab a dirty doorknob, eat a sandwich....ugh! double UGH!
That's why it is important to be aware of what we touch and when. As a friend recently pointed out:
Hold up thehand you eat with.
Now hold up the hand you wipe with.
Any questions?
We can protect ourselves withproper hygiene of which HANDWASHING is top dog. The CDC declares that proper handwashing is the #1 deterrent to disease transmission!!
NUMERAL UNO!
But handwashing isn't a quick splash under the faucet and a shake off on the run. It involves soap, lather and proper technique. Mom was right!! To do the job correctly should take at least 20 seconds. Doesn't seem like a long time but clock yourself the next time you wash up. Bet it's more like 5-10 seconds at the most. Try using a ditty to time yourself..."Row Row Row Your Boat" or "Happy Birthday" work well. Of course, the others in the public bathroom will be moving away from you but what the heck!
Correct handwashing involves removing jewelry (NEVER leave it lie on the sink..right? put those heirloom rings and bracelets in your pocket!). Lather up, bend those knuckles, flex those fingers, pay attention to the nailbeds and callous areas. Don't let your thumbs get lonely!! Scrub those soldiers!! Up the wrists too!!
If you have a wound, sore or open callous it is portal of entry for microorganisms. Cleanse and bandage it properly and be very aware of what you are touching and what touches you.
Preventing disease transmission is a hot button in the news today...as it should be every day. We live in a time where you can't get a shot in the heinie for a quick cure. While it may seem a scary world out there remember that most microorganisms are NOT harmful to us and we definitely need many of them to survive. With proper hygiene we can be in control of what we expose ourselves to on a daily basis and lessen the risk of disease transmission.
