Health and safety reminder!
The Importance of washing hands
As some of you might know, there was a recent tummy bug out break at the Newsome Centre, it is very easy to catch if simple steps like washing hands aren’t followed. It is also cold and flu season so washing hands will help you avoid this too.
This isn’t just about us avoiding catching germs, it’s about helping stop it spreading to our clients as some of them don’t have very good immune systems so every little bit we can do is a big thing for them!
I know that running water and soap isn’t always accessible when out and about so keep some hand sanitizer on you at all times, this can be provided for you up at the office.
Below is the “Clean hands save lives” article by the Centers of disease control and prevention.
Handwashing is like a “do-it-yourself” vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrhea and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.
When should you wash your hands…
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
How you should wash your hands…
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
