Stay healthy by washing hands

When it comes to staying healthy, mother knew best. Countless studies prove that hand washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways of preventing disease.

Washing hands frequently not only protects one's health, but also helps to protect the health of everyone else: children, other family members, friends and colleagues.

At this time of year, diseases that spread through hand-to-hand or hand-to-object contact include the common cold, flu and several intestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea or norovirus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which stresses the importance of hand washing, estimates that 23 million Americans contract norovirus each year, particularly in the winter months.

Those who don't wash their hands enough can infect themselves with these germs by simply touching their eyes, nose or mouth, and they can spread these germs to others by simply touching them or touching surfaces they also touch, such as computer keyboards and door handles. And remember, others can do the same.

Common sense tells us that it is impossible to keep bare hands free of germs all the time. But there are times when it is especially critical to wash hands to limit the transfer of bacteria and viruses. According to the Mayo Clinic and other medical authorities, these include:

•Before and after preparing food, especially if handling raw meat, poultry or fish.

•Before eating.

•After blowing the nose or coughing or sneezing into hands.

•Before inserting or removing contact lenses.

•After using the toilet, especially in public restrooms.

One can probably think of other occasions, such as the many things and people one touches when traveling this winter, whether to an exotic vacation destination or to visit with family and friends.

How does one wash hands enough to provide protection? Make sure hands are washed vigorously, including the backs of hands, wrists, between the fingers and under the fingernails. Lather well and use warm running water whenever possible. It should take at least 15 to 20 seconds.

Washing your hands is very simple and costs practically nothing. Yet it is still amazingly effective in preventing disease. Help spread the word and listen to mother's advice on hand washing, no matter the age.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.