Global Hand washing Day: Raise a hand for hygiene!

Global Hand washing Day takes place 15th of October of every year. It was first held in 2008. It is an annual global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding the importance of hand washing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
Global Hand washing Day is designed to foster and support a global and local culture of hand washing with soap; shine a spotlight on the state of hand washing around the world and raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing with soap.
Hand washing is an easy way to prevent infections. Frequent washing of hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick or spreading illnesses.
As you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you accumulate germs on your hands. In turn, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Washing your hands frequently can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.
Always wash your hands before:
1. Preparing food or eating.
2. Inserting or removing contact lenses.
3. Giving medicine, treating wounds or caring for the sick or injured person.

Always wash your hands after:
1. Preparing food.
2. Using the toilet or changing diaper/napkins.
3. Touching an animal, toys or waste.
4. Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands.
5. Treating wounds or caring for the sick.
6. Handling garbage, household or garden chemicals, or anything that could be contaminated.
7. Shaking hands with others.
With the short and simple act of hand washing, you could stop a child from vomiting, help hundreds to avoid diarrhoea and food poisoning, and even prevent the outbreak of flu.
Notes:
1. Use soap and warm running water to wash your hand and wash for at least 10secs.
2. Supervise young children while washing their hands and don’t use a single damp cloth to wash a group of children’s hands.
3. Keep the surface areas in your home and office free of germs by cleaning them. Telephones, keyboards, light switches and door knobs are especially important to keep clean.
4. Throw away tissues as soon as you use them. Do not squeeze into your hands.
5. Hand sanitizers can be used when their is no access to soap and water.
6. Drying your hands properly is as important as washing them.
Hand washing is extremely important but sadly most people don’t realise this.
Don’t underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you the trips to the doctor’s office. Raise a hand for hygiene!