Why is Hand Washing Important?

A century ago people didn’t know as much about hygiene, infections and contamination as they do today. In the general population, people weren’t as concerned about washing their hands or other parts of their bodies as they are today, simply because they didn’t understand how important it was. But today, most people know that it is important to keep our bodies clean. (Excessive washing and attention to cleanliness is another problems altogether.)

This doesn’t mean we should be on the lookout for a speck of dirt or some dust every second of the day. But it does mean we should know the difference between the normal dirt that comes with life and the contamination that could cause illness. The difference between the two is germs.

We apply the word “germs” to the bacteria and other organisms that can make us sick and cause the onset of disease. In general terms, washing our hands is the best way to keep from putting these germs into our bodies. After all, our hands not only put the food into our mouths, they touch our cloths, our furniture and other people.
If young people, older people and individuals with weakened immune systems pick up germs from touching something or someone, they can easily transfer these germs to their mouths, eyes and nose. This is the way that influenza, colds and other conditions are spread through families and groups of friends.

The water we wash with will be more effective if it is warm (but not hot enough to cause pain). We should also use soap for hand washing as well. It isn’t necessary to use the modern anti-bacterial soap, though these may help a little. Building up a good lather for a few seconds and making sure the hands are cleaned completely, up to the wrists, will also help. *Be sure to use a clean, dry towel to dry the hands. Damp conditions are ideal for germ growth.

We should always make sure our hands are clean before we eat and after using the toilet. Playing outside or with family pets should also be followed by hand washing because these are two prime locations for picking up harmful bacteria and viral infections. People who work with food or prepare food for the family should be very conscious of keeping their hands clean. Harmful bacteria can be present in the warm, moist conditions provided by raw meat and raw chicken, for example.
If you don’t have access to water and soap, it’s possible to clean the hands sufficiently with one of the commercial hand sanitizers, especially if it is alcohol based. However, many scientists urge people to use water and soap because some bacteria have developed resistance to the commercial hand sanitizers, or may develop such resistance over time.

As mentioned earlier, it’s not necessary to be obsessive about cleanliness, but it is important to wash our hands three or four times a day when we are active around the house or at work. If there are situations such as childcare, caring for a sick person or preparing meals that might bring germs to our hands we should always wash before and after these activities. Hand washing is a simple way to help us stay healthy.