A lot of us fall sick much more than the others, but the fact of the matter is that while immunity does play a role in how often you fall sick, it is also true that your habits determine how often you catch a bug, whether it is a stomach or cold one. However, do you know that simply washing your hands in the right way can prevent 80% of ailments? Let’s take a look…

Why handwashing is important
Our hands touch many surfaces throughout the day, picking up bacteria and viruses. When we touch our face, food, or other people without cleaning our hands, germs can enter our body and make us sick. Washing hands with soap and water removes these germs and stops infections from spreading.
According to health experts like the CDC and WHO, handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent illness. But just rinsing your hands with water is not enough-you need to follow certain steps carefully.

Is there a right way to wash your hands?
Follow these steps when you wash your hands:
Wet your hands with clean, running water
Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.

Rub your hands together to make a lather. Make sure to scrub:

The palms
The backs of your hands
Between your fingers
Under your nails
Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice. (remember Covid days?)

Rinse your hands well under running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.
Use a towel to turn off your tap, so that you don’t touch germs again.

When to wash your hands

Washing hands at the right times is just as important as washing them properly. Make sure to wash your hands:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating
After using the washroom
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching animals or animal waste

After handling garbage
After caring for someone who is sick

What if there is no soap?
If you don’t have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Rub it all over your hands until they feel dry. While sanitizer kills many germs, it does not remove dirt or harmful chemicals, so soap and water are better whenever possible.

How often you should watch your hands?
Research shows that washing your hands 5 to 10 times a day can reduce the risk of infections. Washing more than 10 times a day may offer extra protection, especially during flu season or outbreaks. The rule of thumb is to wash them as and feel dirty, but don’t get paranoid about it.