PARTNERS WORKING TOGETHER

Only 58% of Americans wash their hands after every time they use the bathroom? [1] Three out of every four millennials brush their teeth only once a day. [4] How do your personal hygiene habits measure up?

Many of us incorporate personal hygiene into our daily routines, and for good reason; the CDC identifies over 15 diseases as “hygiene-related”. [3] Common conditions like head lice, tooth decay, athlete’s foot, and swimmer’s ear, are just some of the conditions that relate to one’s hygiene habits. [3]

Often, the germs that cause these diseases live in plain sight. Common items like cell phones, remote controls, and steering wheels can be more than 9 times dirtier than the average toilet seat. [5] One study examined the cleanliness of participants’ bodies and found over 2,368 species of bacteria living in their belly buttons! [6]

Most health professionals suggest brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Additionally, it is recommended that you shower at least three times a week and after becoming visibly dirty or after physical activity. [3] Many of us know and follow these hygiene rules. [7] However, many hygiene -related diseases—like diarrheal illnesses, pinworm, and hand-foot-mouth disease—are tied to another habit that’s importance is sometimes overlooked…

Handwashing!

Handwashing is the single easiest way to prevent the spread of disease. Yet, more than 40% of Americans don’t wash their hands after every time trip to the bathroom. [1] And, of those hands that are frequently washed, sometimes they’re not washed well enough. Proper handwashing takes 20 seconds, and includes washing the tops, palms, fingertips, and webbing of the fingers. Check out this graphic from the WHO showing the steps needed to completely clean hands.

Nail hygiene is also an important part of keeping yourself clean and healthy, as germs love to hide around and underneath fingernails. [2] The CDC recommends frequently trimming nails short and cleaning under them every time you wash your hands. It is also important to clean the tools you use to trim and file nails. Using dirty nails tools, biting, or ripping nails or cuticles can cause pain and infection. 

Follow these simple steps below to ensure you are properly washing your hands!