Every year on October 15, Global Handwashing Day is dedicated to raise awareness on the importance of handwashing regularly with soap and water, as a way to prevent diseases. At University Medical Center of El Paso, we encourage people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap.
We get germs on our hands from everywhere: touching people, objects, pets, and surfaces. You can’t keep your hands germ-free, but handwashing using soap and water takes only a few minutes, and is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick or spreading germs.
Why is handwashing important?
Frequently washing your hands can significantly reduce the spread of many illnesses, particularly respiratory infections (like colds, flu, and COVID-19) and diarrheal diseases, but proper hand hygiene is a first line of defense.
How to Do It: Handwashing Dos and Don’ts
DO:
- Wash your hands with clean, running water.
- Use soap and lather all parts of your hands, including:
- Backs of hands
- Between fingers
- Under fingernails
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. A good trick is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- Rinse well and dry with a clean towel or air dryer.
DON’T:
- Don’t rely on just water. Soap is essential to break down and remove germs.
- Don’t rush. Washing for less than 20 seconds is often not enough.
- Don’t forget key times to wash your hands:
- Before eating or preparing food
- After using the restroom
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After touching animals or handling garbage
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call 1-800-473-8440 or 915-479-3484 today to schedule an appointment, or visit www.umcelpaso.org to learn more.
