"The Importance of Hand Washing: Preventing Infections and Illnesses"

Intro: 

• Hand washing is a simple yet effective way to prevent infections.

• Critical for maintaining personal and public health.

How washing hands prevents illness:

• Removes Germs: Physically washes away bacteria and viruses. This helps prevent infections because people frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it.

• Reduces Spread: Limits transmission of pathogens between people.

Proper hand washing techniques:

**You should wash your hands for the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice (around 40 seconds in total)

• 1. Wet your hands with water.

• 2. Apply enough soap to cover your hands.

• 3. Rub your hands together.

• 4. Use one hand to rub the back of the other hand and clean in between the fingers. Do the same with the other hand.

• 5. Rub your hands together and clean in between your fingers.

• 6. Grip the fingers of each hand together with the backs of your fingers against the palms of your other hand. Rub your fingertips together and rub the back of your fingers against your palms.

• 7. Rub one thumb using your other hand. Do the same with the other thumb.

• 8. Rub the tips of your fingers on the palm of your other hand. Do the same with your other hand.

• 9. Rinse your hands with water.

Conclusion:

• Hand washing is a crucial habit for preventing infections and illnesses.

• Encouraging consistent hand hygiene can lead to healthier communities.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/data-research/facts-stats/index.html#:~:text=Handwashing%20with%20soap%20removes%20germs,mouth%20without%20even%20realizing%20it.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/