Doctors in office
Wash Your Hands!

April 13, 2020

With the current worldwide pandemic crisis, life may feel overwhelming, out of control, and complicated. Despite the disruption COVID-19 has caused to people’s daily lives, there is one method people can partake in to give themselves a sense of control while also helping others---washing your hands. Hand-washing is a crucial part of helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, while also keeping you and your family safe and healthy. However, there are specific do's and don’ts of hand-washing that people may be unaware of.

You should always wash your hands before eating or preparing food, regardless if you make it at home or if you order take-out. Additionally, you should always wash your hands before caring for someone sick or treating wounds. You should also wash your hands whenever removing or inserting contact lenses. But what about after? Circumstances, where you should always wash your hands after, include (but are not limited to): preparing food, touching an animal/animal food/animal waste, using the bathroom, changing a diaper, cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom, coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, handling garbage, handling pet food or treats, caring for someone ill, or treating someone’s wounds. There may be more circumstances beyond these listed, but these are the primary reasons.

Although washing your hands is preferred over not, there is a specific way to wash them correctly. According to The Mayo Clinic, follow these few steps:

  • Wet your hands with clean, warm or cold water

  • Apply and lather soap thoroughly

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails, between your fingers, your wrists, and the back of your hands

  • Rinse well

  • Fully dry your hands with a clean towel or air-dry them

Doctors recommend singing the song “Happy Birthday,” twice in order to allow yourself enough time to hand-wash and clean. This is a very important part of the step, especially since most people rush through washing their hands and do not take enough time.

However, if you do not have access to soap and clean, running water, hand sanitizer is a viable solution. Make sure your hand sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol. Follow these steps below to use hand sanitizer correctly:

  • Apply in one hand

  • Rub hands together thoroughly until dry

  • Make sure to get all areas of your hands

Washing your hands and using hand sanitizer are both necessary solutions to help keep you and your family safe and healthy from COVID-19. Athens Area Urology is dedicated to making sure our clients stay informed and knowledgeable throughout this pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact us today at 706-612-9401, and view our official COVID-19 notice on our website for additional information. Remember, through healthy habits and social distancing, and we can get through this difficult time together!

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(706) 612-9401