The American Society for Microbiology and the American Cleaning Institute released a study in Sept. 2010 reporting that 85 percent of people washed their hands in public restrooms in 2008, the highest levels observed since the research began in 1996.
Experts recommend the following tips to ensure proper hand hygiene:
1. Use soap and warm water. Soap helps break up grease, soil and dirt. Antibacterial soap is also important to use in healthcare facilities, though may not be necessary for day-to-day hand washing for patients.
2. Scrub hands together vigorously. This action dislodges viruses form the skin.
3. Take your time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people wash for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Rinsing washes away dirt and grime.
5. Dry your hands. According to the report, wet hands collect viruses from surfaces more easily than dry hands.
Read the HealthDay report on hand washing:
-5 Best Practices for Increasing Hand Hygiene Compliance
–Case Study: 3 Areas of Focus for Accreditation Surveys at Michigan’s Southgate Surgery Center
–9 Myths About Hand Hygiene
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