Washing your hands repeatedly may not sound glamorous, but it is one of the most effective ways to prevent germ transmission and infect others. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people have realised the importance of hand hygiene and the benefits of hand washing with antibacterial soap and water. However, proper hand-washing is still not seen as a priority by a few people. If you are also one of those people wondering how proper hand washing plays a key role in promoting your overall health, then you have landed on the right platform. Read this informative post from Healthsaverguide, to discover the top five reasons why proper hand washing is important.
Top Amazing Benefits of Proper Hand Washing
Whether you are at work, at home or travelling, washing your hands with antibacterial soap and water can protect you and your loved ones. Here’s a list of the top reasons why handwashing is effective.
1. Prevent The Spread of Germs
Did you know that harmful bacteria and viruses are everywhere, although they are not visible to the naked eye? Yes, you read that right! Once germs and bacteria enter our bodies, they can cause infections like Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Salmonella, and influenza. Properly washing your hands with water and antibacterial soap or hand wash removes dirt and most of the harmful bacteria and viruses that can spread and cause these chronic diseases.
2. Reduces Risk of Food Poisoning
You loved the dinner at that famous roadside restaurant until none of the caterers washed or sanitised their hands before serving food and drinks. Handling food with dirty or unwashed hands could contaminate it with toxins, parasites, bacteria, or viruses, and lead to food poisoning. Even when preparing food in the comfort of your home, it is important to make sure that before touching vegetables and other items, your hands are properly washed with water and antibacterial soap. However, regular soap also works well for most everyday uses.
3. Maintains Proper Hygiene and Cleanliness
Every object and surface that you touch with your hands every day, such as door handles, mobile phones, elevator buttons, and even money, is covered in harmful bacteria and germs that can make you sick. That is why healthcare professionals always encourage you to regularly wash your hands every day.
4. Saves The Cost of Hospital
As you probably know by now, you are vulnerable to a host of chronic diseases when you don’t wash your hands. Frequent handwashing is less expensive than a healthcare professional’s office visit or a stay at a hospital. Harmful bacteria and viruses can get you sick and, in some cases, could lead to an intestinal infection that might become deadly. So, what’s better than avoiding the avoidable and washing your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water? After all, who doesn’t want to save money and time?
The Best Times to Wash Your Hand
Whether you realise it or not, you touch your mouth, face, and eyes up to ten times an hour. Well, this adds up to several opportunities for germs and bacteria to easily enter our systems and cause infection. Frequent hand washing is one of the effective hygiene habits that reduces the odds that these harmful creatures will make it anywhere near your face. You should always wash your hands:
- After using the washroom.
- After handling your mobile phone or other devices.
- After handling money.
- Before eating or drinking.
- Before serving or preparing food.
- When your hands are dirty.
- Before and after visiting a sick loved one.
- After touching your pets or other animals.
- After coughing or sneezing.
- After coming from the outdoors.
Wrapping Up
Washing your hands repeatedly is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of various diseases, including the deadly coronavirus. Do tell us in the comment section given below why and how you wash your hands.