By Alison Crane
In 400 BCE, the ancient Greek historian, Thucydides was the first on record to suggest that disease could be spread from one person to another. It would be almost 2000 years later before the theory of germs would really be considered as a possibility and this was by a scholar and poet, not a scientist.
Fast forward to present day and we have extensive knowledge of microscopic organisms and have life-saving medicines available to combat their affects.
While we have come a long way in advancements of science and health, one of the best lines of defense against illness is washing our hands. According to the CDC, the simple act of washing our hands can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related illnesses and 1 in 5 infections, including the flu. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls hand washing “a do-it-yourself vaccine” and suggests remembering five easy steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry.
Every year the first week in December is recognized as National Handwashing Awareness Week. Considering that cold and flu season is upon us full swing in December and nobody wants to miss out on those holiday gatherings, let’s all take a moment and wash our hands. After all, taking cleanliness and hygiene seriously is good for everyone.
So, in honor of National Handwashing Awareness Week, put these four principles endorsed by the American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians into practice:
- Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating
- Do not cough into hands
- Do not sneeze into hands
- Don’t put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth.
For more information on good health practices or for a demonstration for your group or class about handwashing and the importance of good hygiene, contact us at the Garland County Extension office. Call 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uaex.edu Follow us on Facebook by liking our pages: @GarlandFCS, @garlandEGF, and @GarlandCountyEHC.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
