Teach them by example

Americans are no longer washing their hands as regularly as they should, according to the fourth Clean Hands Report Card from the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA).

The report summarizes the results of a nationwide telephone survey for 458 adult males and 458 adult females, conducted to assess hand hygiene habits. The report’s rating is C-minus, which shows no improvement from the 2006 rating. In fact, there has been some deterioration in the numbers compared to 2006.

All medical organizations and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that hand washing is the simplest, yet one of the most effective, ways to avoid illness, including colds and flu. The habit is simple to cultivate: you need only soap and warm water (alternatively, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer which doesn’t need water).

Yet, many people do not practice the simple habit, even after they use the toilet. Note some findings summarized in the report card:

* 85 percent (compared to 92 percent in 2006) of respondents washed their hands after using the bathroom.

* 46 percent took less than 15 seconds to wash their hands. The CDC recommends 15 to 20 seconds of washing with soap.

* 39 percent (versus 36 percent in 2006) said they never or only seldom wash their hands after they coughed or sneezed.

* 35 percent (compared to 31 percent in 2006) do not wash hands before sitting down to lunch.

* 37 percent wash hands less than 7 times a day.

* 56 percent had no idea that hand washing is the best way to avoid colds.

There is a group that thoroughly understands the value of hand washing: teachers. The SDA cites the 2008 National Education Association survey on 230 teachers, which showed that 97 percent were aware that hand washing is the most effective way to avoid colds and flu, while 91 percent always/frequently wash their hands before eating lunch.

Proper hand washing

* Wet hands with running water. Lather well with soap (regular soap is just as good as antibacterial soap).

* Scrub hands thoroughly (back of hands, wrists, under fingernails, between fingers). Rub vigorously. Take at least 15 to 20 seconds for hand washing.

* Rinse hands very well.

* Dry your hands with disposable towel or clean towel. Do not use bare hands to turn off faucet; use a towel.

* If using alcohol-based sanitizer, apply 1/2 teaspoon to your palm and rub hands together vigorously until they dry. Cover all surfaces.

* If hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water as much as possible.

It is critical to wash the hands on certain occasions: after using the toilet; before/after preparing food, especially when handling raw meat, poultry or fish; before eating; after coughing/sneezing into your hands or blowing your nose; after handling garbage; before/after touching a sick person; and before inserting/removing contact lenses.

Safety Tips:

* Remember to wash hands after using restrooms in public places.

* Help your kids develop the hand washing habit. Teach them by example.

* If using alcohol-based sanitizer, tell kids to wait until it dries completely before they touch anything. This helps protect them from ingesting alcohol through hand-to-mouth contact.