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Dear Editor,
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Microbes are all tiny living organisms that may or may not cause disease.
Germs, or pathogens, are types of microbes that can cause disease.
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap - plain is fine for the general public
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
For the Why? (in other words, the science) of each step, please see: CDC>Handwashing>Show Me the Science
Eileen Fitzsimons
Dodgeville, WI