It’s hard to believe that 2020 will be known as the year we all bought toilet paper and finally learned about washing our hands. But in all seriousness, studies show that proper hand-washing techniques are still one of the best ways to keep yourself and others healthy by eliminating the spread of bacteria and viruses. With the relevancy of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever before to take necessary precautions to protect ourselves from the virus.
A simple 20-second hand-washing technique includes soap and water while scrubbing the palms, back of the hands, underneath the fingernails and everywhere in-between. The process is simple and only requires routine practice; hand-washing ultimately is effective because it prevents illnesses and spread of infections to others, removes germs from multiple sources and helps battle the rise in antibiotic resistance.
Five steps to washing your hands.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are five steps to help you wash your hands the right way:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
The reason researchers and physicians have emphasized the importance of hand-washing is because humans have an unconscious habit of touching their face—sometimes we rub our eyes or touch our nose and mouth. Any virus or bacteria on your hands transfers straight to these delicate areas and contributes to developing an illness. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology estimates that people touch their face at least 23 times an hour.
Did you know that there are about 400 times more germs on your desktop than a toilet seat and that desks harbor more than 10 million bacteria? That’s why washing your hands is key to stopping the spread of infections. Those contaminants typically travel from your hands, moving to and from things as you touch them. Additionally, wiping down equipment—like keyboards and telephones—with sanitizer a few times a day can provide more protection.
Hand-washing controls how many germs are left on surfaces. Even with clean hands, the likelihood of touching a contaminated surface—even in your office—is extremely high. Hot spots and high-trafficked areas with germs are:
- Elevator buttons (The first-floor button is always the most contaminated)
- Door handles
- Desktops and keyboards
- Telephones
- Office equipment (Copier, etc.)
- Coffee maker and coffee mugs
- Restrooms
And while washing your hands and implementing a regular cleaning routine at the office are both beneficial ways to reduce the risk of spreading or catching illnesses, there’s always one step-further you can go with ActivePure Technology. With this NASA-based air and surface purification system running actively and continuously in your place of work, you don’t have to worry about bacteria or viruses left behind. Our proprietary technology works to continuously purify and clean the air and surfaces in the spaces you occupy, protecting everyone indoors from harmful pathogens and contaminants up to 99%. It’s an ideal solution for all kinds of people and places to provide protection and enhance health and quality of life.
Interested in learning more about an ActivePure product that would work well in your office or business? Reach out to us through our website or call today (800) 243-9078, we’d be happy to help you find your customized solution!
