Right now, my song of choice is “Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf. Most people use the tune Happy Birthday when they wash their hands, but I like changing my song of choice every few months. Next week, I will use a Christmas song, but I’m not sure which one yet.
While the first full week of December is widely recognized as National Handwashing Week, the Henry the Hand Foundation is also promoting a special message during the week of 12/6-12/12 about the importance of handwashing.
In researching the history of handwashing, it is thought that around 1843, Doctor Oliver Wendall Holmes brought to light the importance of handwashing. Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian Doctor, is credited as the primary person convincing doctors to start washing their hands after procedures around 1847. Today, we all know the importance of handwashing in fighting infections of all kinds. Ask any Infection Preventionist.
For me, handwashing involves five simple steps over a time frame of at least 20 seconds. Those steps are wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. I always make sure to clean all parts of the hand underwater for at least 20 seconds.
Click here to view my favorite video on the subject of hand washing.
As always, “Keep it Clean” - including your hands!
Stephen M. Kovach, BS, CFER
Educator Emeritus
