Hand Washing: Spread the word, not the germs!
It is National Hand Washing Awareness Week. They are looking for hand washing champions to join Henry the Hand in promoting hand washing to prevent the spread of germs.
Think of yourself as a human petri-dish that grows all kind of icky bacteria and is the warm and cozy home for all kinds of viruses. Washing your hands regularly can prevent many flus, flu-like illnesses, common colds, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, Coxsackie viruses, Streptococcus, Pneumoccous, TB and more from growing, spreading or from entering your body.
Beverly’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Hand Washing Awareness Week:
Henry the Hand says:
- Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating
- “Good” hand washing techniques include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction and lift the germs from the skin, and rinsing under running water. Hands should be washed for a minimum of 15 seconds.
- Wash your hands after using the washroom (includes changing diapers), after blowing your nose, after touching raw meat, poultry, or fish, after handling garbage,visiting or caring for sick people, and after handling pets, animals or animal waste
- DO NOT cough into your hands
- DO NOT sneeze into your hands
- Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth. These are the only portal of entry into the human body for respiratory infections and washing can reduce your risk significantly
Adopting a diligent hand washing routine isn’t just about maintaining personal hygiene; it’s a powerful defense mechanism against a multitude of illnesses waiting to latch onto our unsuspecting hands. From common colds to more serious respiratory infections, the simple act of hand washing can thwart their spread and keep you healthier in the long run. Let’s remember the humble, yet mighty power of soap and water, to promote healthy habits and safeguard our well-being.
And to add some humour to the day…
What do you call a germ who wants to have a good time?
.
.
.
A fungi (fun guy)!
.
Contact Beverly about hosting a mental health workshop for your teams on how to build resilience. Learn relaxation strategies, and discover coping tips to deal with stress, change and crisis!
If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!
Additional Resources:
Flu Prevention Month Article
Finding Your Optimal Health Article
Stress Smart Shift Work Article
WinterActive Article
Quiet DayArticle
Water: A Necessity Article