Wash Your Hands to Keep Germs at Arm's Length

We rely on our hands to do many things during the day. Unfortunately, this means they often come in contact with bacteria and viruses that can lead to infections.

Regular handwashing is a simple and effective way to minimize your risk of contracting diseases and to help keep infections away.

Keep these tips in mind when you wash:

• Use soap and water
  The most important part of hand-washing isn’t the water, but the friction created by rubbing your hands together with the soap.
  
  
• Take your time
  You need to wash your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds to get them clean.
  
  
• Dry your hands with a towel
  While it may seem easier, air-drying your hands is less effective than drying them with a paper towel. Allowing your hands to air dry can chap your skin. The nooks and crannies of chapped hands are easy places for germs to hide.
  
  
• Avoid sanitizing gels
  These bottled products shouldn’t replace old-fashioned soap and water. Effective as they are at removing bacteria, the gels don’t remove dirt and aren’t nearly as effective as soap and water at killing some viruses spread through hand-to-mouth contact.