Prevent illness, wash your hands!

Wash your hands!  Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent illness and infection. As one touches people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, germs accumulate on one’s hands. One can infect oneself with these germs by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Handwashing is also one of the best ways to prevent spreading illness and infection to others. It is impossible to keep one’s hands germ free but washing one’s hands frequently limits the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. Wash your hands: before preparing food, after handling uncooked meat and poultry, before eating, after coughing, sneezing or blowing one’s nose, after using the bathroom, after touching animals and before your eyes, nose or mouth. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based wipe or hand gel. Handwashing doesn’t take much time or effort but plays a major role in protecting your health.