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Hand Care, News

Every Day Should Be Handwashing Day!

Support #GlobalHandwashingDay on October 15th and All Year Long.

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, an annual day of awareness and education on the importance of washing hands to prevent diseases and save lives. But a truly effective hand washing program—whether it takes place at an office, food service facility, school or health care setting—happens more than just one day a year. Good hand hygiene should be promoted and practiced all year long for optimal health and safety. Every day should be “handwashing day”!

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that only 31% of men and 65% of women wash their hands after using a public restroom, highlighting the need for hand washing awareness. It may be hard to believe, but something as simple as a little soap and water can dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness and even death. In fact, regular hand washing after using the restroom, after coughing, sneezing or nose blowing and before contact with food helps prevent the spread of diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia and reduces the spread of infections like influenza and Ebola.

Handwashing-Chart-ThumbnailThere is a right way to wash hands according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The proper procedure involves scrubbing hands together vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds (hum the Happy Birthday song to approximate 20 seconds), making sure to also wash the wrists, backs of the hands, between fingers and under nails. If available, disposable towels should be used to turn off water faucets and open any doors. This Handwashing Chart shows how to wash hands for optimal germ and infection control.

Every hour, 38 workers worldwide die from diseases caused by a lack of sanitation and hygiene. Providing access to improved facilities in the workplace increases productivity and saves lives.

Nyco carries a variety of soap and detergent handwashing products for facilities, including Safer Choice Certified foaming e.Foam, lotion-formulated Mystique with antibacterial agent PCMX, and Palm Liquid Hand Soap with refined natural coconut oil. All are available by the gallon for easy dispensing. Unsure of the differences between hand soap and hand detergent? This quick read will help clear things up.

Proper hand washing is an easy, affordable way to stay safe and healthy, and keep others healthy too. Workers and all people who regularly wash their hands are taking an active role in their health and helping to avoid spreading germs to others. Fewer illnesses mean less sick days used, resulting in happier, more productive employees. Everyone can do their part to spread awareness and create healthier workplaces, schools and healthcare facilities. The future is in our hands!

If you’d like to test your own knowledge about handwashing, take this Handwashing Quiz on the GlobalHandwashing.org website.

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