Handwashing is the best way to prevent getting and spreading bacteria and viruses. Some of those sicknesses could lead to you needing Sugar Land emergency care. For example, diarrheal diseases can be spread from contact with germs. Diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and end with a trip to the hospital for you or your loved ones.
Therefore, it’s best to ensure that you are washing your hands often and properly. It may seem like a simple step, but many people do it incorrectly. So, here are some handwashing tips from your Sugar Land emergency clinic.
When to Wash Hands
Most people know that you need to wash your hands after using the restroom and before cooking. However, here are some other situations that require handwashing to protect yourself and those around you.
- Before and after tending to someone who is ill
- Before and after caring for a cut
- After touching animals, their food, or their waste
- After touching garbage
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
Practicing proper handwashing techniques in these situations can help you avoid a trip to your Sugar Land emergency room. It’s important that you guard yourself and others from easily spread diseases. Even passing along the common cold can have devastating effects for certain people, like those who have poor immune systems.
How to Wash Hands to Prevent Needing Sugar Land Emergency Care
Now, you can wash your hands many times a day, but if you aren’t using the right techniques, it won’t be as effective. Here are the steps for proper handwashing:
- Wet your hands
- Lather your hands with soap
- Scrub your hands
- Rinse the soap
- Dry your hands
It sounds simple enough, but many people fail to correctly lather and scrub their hands. Proper lathering means rubbing the soap between your hands, on the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and even under your nails. Once you have fully lathered, you should be scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. The CDC recommends that if you need an easy way to track the timing, you can sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
If you don’t have access to soap and water, you should use hand sanitizer instead. However, keep in mind that it may not be effective if your hands look dirty of if you’ve been handling hash chemicals like pesticides. Your Sugar Land emergency care facility wants to make sure you stay as healthy as possible, so follow these handwashing rules to help prevent the spread of illness and disease.
Sometimes, however, you will get sick and need Sugar Land emergency care. St. Michael’s Elite Hospital is here for you when unexpected health issues arise. We offer quality care and shorter wait times. Give us a call today at (281) 980-4357 to let us know you’re on your way. We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Flu Prevention Tips
