Something as simple as washing your hands can have a powerful impact on your health. The benefits of handwashing go far beyond keeping your hands clean—in fact, it helps prevent infections, reduces the spread of harmful germs, and protects both you and those around you. Even though modern medicine continues to advance, this timeless habit remains one of the most effective defenses against illness.
The Science Behind Handwashing
To begin with, our hands touch countless surfaces every single day—doorknobs, phones, money, and keyboards—all of which can carry bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. As a result, when we touch our face, especially our eyes, nose, or mouth, these germs can easily enter the body and cause sickness. Fortunately, handwashing with soap and water removes these harmful pathogens before they can spread.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), washing hands with soap can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by up to 40% and respiratory infections by nearly 20%. Clearly, that’s an impressive level of protection from such a simple act.
Why Soap and Water Are Essential
Hand sanitizers are helpful in situations where soap and water aren’t available. However, they can’t eliminate every type of germ. By contrast, soap is highly effective because it breaks down the oils on our skin that trap microbes. When combined with thorough scrubbing and rinsing, soap ensures that germs are lifted off and washed away.
How to Wash Hands Properly
Handwashing only works when done correctly. Therefore, it’s important to follow these steps recommended by health experts:
- Wet your hands with clean running water.
- Apply soap and lather well.
- Scrub every part of your hands—including between the fingers and under the nails—for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean water.
- Dry with a clean towel or allow your hands to air dry.
For instance, singing “Happy Birthday” twice is a simple way to time 20 seconds of scrubbing.
Key Times to Wash Your Hands
In everyday life, there are certain moments when handwashing is especially important:
- Before preparing or eating food
- After using the restroom
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After handling pets or garbage
- After being in public places and touching frequently used surfaces
Small Habit, Big Impact
Handwashing may feel routine, yet its impact on health is profound. By making this small habit a priority, you lower your risk of illness and help prevent germs from spreading to others.
Ultimately, at a time when new viruses and infections continue to emerge, the benefits of handwashing remind us that some of the most powerful tools for staying healthy are also the simplest.
It pays to be informed
Handwashing is a simple habit with big health benefits. By practicing it regularly and staying aware of its importance, you protect yourself and those around you from many illnesses.
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References:
https://www.who.int/teams/integrated-health-services/infection-prevention-control/hand-hygiene