Featured Health Article Hand Washing: The single most important thing that you can do to prevent the spread of communicable diseases The fact of the matter is that hand washing can prevent the transmission of many communicable diseases such as salmonellosis, shigellosis, hepatitis A, giardiasis, enterovirus, amebiasis, and campylobacteriosis. All of these organisms can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route. These can be spread through even the smallest amount; that is why hand washing after using the toilet, changing a diaper, and assisting children with potty training cannot be over emphasized. Unfortunately, there are many people who do not practice this simple act of hygiene. In addition, there are many other diseases that can be spread through indirect routes such as contact with respiratory secretions. Microorganisms that are transmitted this way include influenza, streptococcus, and the common cold to name a few. Remember to wash your hands after sneezing, coughing or even after shaking hands with some who has been coughing and/or sneezing. It is important to remember that disease can also be spread through any contaminated body fluids such as saliva and urine. Microorganisms such as Staphylococcal can be transmitted this way whether it is from person to person, contaminated foods, or by any object such as desks, toys, pens, keyboards, phones, etc. Fortunately, there is a simple way to help prevent transmission of these organisms. Good hand washing is a very effective means of prevention. The proper way is to wet your hands with warm water, add soap (any kind will do - antibacterial or regular), make a soapy lather and rub between fingers, palms, back of hands, under nails for at least 10 seconds. A fun way for kids to do this for at least 10 seconds is to say the alphabet. Then rinse under warm running water. Never let the water run up your arms or use standing sink water to rinse. Finally dry your hands with a clean towel and turn off the water with the towel. Another tip is to use disposable paper towels instead of a common towels as germs can be spread by the use of a common towel.
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