When is National Hand Washing Awareness Week?
It's always the first week in December.
What is this Holiday for?
It's for educating our community about the importance of "Hand Awareness."
On this day we are encouraged to spread the word about hand washing and not the germs. TEAM UP with organizations to increase Hand Awareness and reduce preventable infectious disease.
Wash Your Hands!
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Origin of this Holiday?
Henry the hand foundation website.
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Simple Prevention- As close as your Hands
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, "Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection." Hand-transmission is a critical factor in the spread of bacteria and viruses causing disease such as colds, flu and foodborne illness.
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What is handwashing?
Hand washing is the act of cleansing the hands with water or another liquid, with or without the use of soap or other detergents, for the sanitary purpose of removing soil and/or microorganisms.
What is the real Purpose of handwashing?
The main purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of pathogens (including bacteria or viruses) and chemicals which can cause personal harm or disease, particularly diarrhea and pneumonia. This is especially important for people who handle food or work in the medical field. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that "It is well-documented that the most important measure for preventing the spread of pathogens is effective handwashing." A large body of research is available on the topic.[1] Hand washing with soap could cut the number of child deaths from diarrhea (the second leading cause of child deaths) by almost half and from pneumonia (the leading cause of child deaths) by one-quarter.
While there are some claims that hot water may more effectively clean one's hands, there is no documented evidence of this claim. The temperature at which humans can withstand hot water cannot kill germs. There are undocumented claims that hot water is more effective at removing dirt, oils and/or chemicals, but contrary to popular belief, it does not kill microorganisms. A temperature that is comfortable for hand washing (about 45 °C (113 °F)) is not nearly hot enough to kill any microorganism. It takes a much higher temperature to effectively kill germs (typically 100 °C (212 °F)).
Personal hand washing
To maintain good hygiene, hands should always be washed after using the toilet, changing a diaper, tending to someone who is sick, or handling raw meat, fish, or poultry, or any other situation leading to potential contamination. Hands should also be washed before eating, handling or cooking food. Conventionally, the use of soap and warm running water and the washing of all surfaces thoroughly, including under fingernails is seen as necessary. One should rub wet, soapy hands together outside the stream of running water for at least 20 seconds, before rinsing thoroughly and then drying with a clean or disposable towel. After drying, a dry paper towel should be used to turn off the water (and open the exit door if one is in a restroom or other separate room). Moisturizing lotion is often recommended to keep the hands from drying out, should one's hands require washing more than a few times per day.
"Antibacterial soaps have been heavily promoted to a health-conscious public." "To date, there is no evidence that using recommended antiseptics or disinfectants selects for antibiotic-resistant organisms in nature." "However, antibacterial soaps contain common antibacterial agents such as Triclosan, which has an extensive list of resistant strains of organisms." "So, even if antibacterial soaps do not select for antibiotic resistant strains, they might not be as effective as they are marketed to be." "These soaps are quite different from the non-water-based hand hygiene agents, which also do not promote antibiotic resistance." wikipedia
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How can I Celebrate this holiday?
- Teach your kids the importance of washing your hand! - Shop for some fun shape soaps.
- Blog with us about it! - We have a blog called "Everyday is a Holiday" so visit our pages and tell us about your favorite cleaning day or your favorite cleaner recipe.
- Send Free E-Greeting! - If your ready to get together with your friends don't forget to invite them with these fun Internet Invitations.
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Other December Holidays around the world
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