In light of the current coronavirus pandemic, everyone is being instructed to wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds several times daily. Of course, we know that handwashing is crucial for good health, but why, exactly? How can 20 seconds of lathering help protect us from so many diseases? Here, we outline three reasons why handwashing is so effective when done correctly. Wash up!
Our hands contain germs that we can’t see.
We can’t see the germs on our hands, and for that reason, we greatly underestimate their presence. Think about it: when you know that your fingers are covered in dirt, you know to wash them to make them clean. With germs, however, the same logic doesn’t hold. So, next time you think your hands are clean because they don’t look dirty, think again.
Lathering breaks down those germs.
We don’t need to remind you that removing germs from your hands is the first step to staying healthy. That’s why simply rinsing your hands won’t cut it. You need to create a lather in order to effectively wash your hands. Why? Well, lathering chemically breaks down those grimy germs you’re trying to wash away. Once that happens, you can rinse the germs away with water. Regularly washing up lessens the amount of germs floating around.
If you don’t think you don’t use your hands often, just consider how many objects you have to touch to get through your day. From turning off your alarm clock in the morning to swinging open the door of the grocery store in the evening, your hands touch countless surfaces, many of which may not be disinfected regularly. Therefore, it only makes sense that frequent handwashing can go far in reducing how many germs you’re coming into contact with.
The Heights at La Salle Apartments, an extraordinary blend of comfortable and convenient apartments in Durham, North Carolina, would like to remind our friends and neighbors of the importance of handwashing!
