Washing your hands may seem like one of the simplest things you do every day, but how often do you really think about it? You may wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, or whenever they look dirty. However, there are times when people skip this small but important habit, forgetting that clean-looking hands can still carry germs that cause illness.
Our hands touch almost everything around us, from door handles and phones to money, public transport surfaces, and other people’s belongings. Throughout the day, they collect germs that we may unknowingly transfer to our mouths, noses, eyes, food, and the people around us. This is why washing your hands is more than just a way to stay clean; it is an important step towards protecting your health.
Why Is Handwashing Important?
Germs are tiny organisms that can spread from one person to another or from contaminated surfaces to our bodies. Some can cause illnesses such as diarrhoea, respiratory infections, and other diseases.
Imagine using your phone while travelling in a public taxi, touching a door handle at work, or greeting several people throughout the day. Later, you prepare food or eat without washing your hands. Germs that have collected on your hands may find their way into your body.
Proper handwashing helps remove dirt, germs, and other harmful substances from your hands, reducing the risk of spreading infections. It also protects the people around you, especially children, older people, and those whose immune systems may be weaker.
The good news is that you do not need expensive products or complicated routines to practise good hand hygiene. Clean running water and soap are generally enough to make a significant difference.
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
Although washing your hands whenever they look dirty is important, there are other moments when it should never be overlooked.
Always wash your hands before preparing food, eating, or feeding a child. You should also wash them after using the toilet, changing a baby’s nappy, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
It is equally important to wash your hands after handling rubbish, touching animals, cleaning, or helping someone who is sick. If you have been in a public place or have touched frequently used surfaces, washing your hands when you get the opportunity is also a good practice.
Remember that germs are not always visible. Your hands can look perfectly clean and still carry organisms that may cause illness.
Are You Washing Your Hands Properly?
Washing your hands quickly under running water may not be enough. To clean them properly, wet your hands with clean running water, apply soap, and rub your hands together.
Make sure you clean the palms, backs of your hands, between your fingers, around your thumbs, and underneath your fingernails. Continue rubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing your hands thoroughly under clean running water.
Finally, dry your hands using a clean towel or an appropriate hand-drying method.
If soap and water are not available, a hand sanitiser containing at least 60 per cent alcohol can be a useful alternative when your hands are not visibly dirty. However, soap and water are preferable when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
A Small Habit That Makes a Big Difference
Many people pay attention to what they eat, the clothes they wear, and how they look, but sometimes overlook the simple habits that help keep them healthy. Handwashing is one of them.
It takes only a short time, costs very little when basic supplies are available, and can help prevent the spread of infections. Teaching children to wash their hands from an early age also helps them develop a healthy habit they can carry into adulthood.
The next time you return home, finish using the toilet, prepare a meal, or sit down to eat, take a moment to think about your hands. They may not look dirty, but that does not mean they are free from germs. Sometimes, protecting your health begins with something as simple as washing your hands.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10