The holiday season is not the time to get sick. Many colds and viruses can be prevented by teaching and using good handwashing techniques. Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. It is an easy, inexpensive and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep people healthy.
We all know that handwashing is important, but many of us do take shortcuts. One common shortcut is watering down the soap or just skipping soap all together.
Do germs stay on hands if you don’t use soap? The answer is maybe. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), using soap to wash hands is more effective than using water alone because the surfactants in soap lift soil and microbes from skin, and people tend to scrub hands more thoroughly when using soap, which further removes germs. Also, to date, there is no added health benefit for consumers (not healthcare) using soap containing antibacterial ingredients compared with using plain soap. There is no need to water down liquid soap. Use a bar of plain soap if you run out.
The step in the handwashing process which asks to lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap is important. Why? Because lathering and scrubbing creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease and microbes from the skin. Microbes are present on all surfaces of the hand, particularly under the nails, so the entire hand should be scrubbed. Scrub both the front and back of the hand.
According to the CDC, handwashing is a five-step process: Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse and Dry.
Two very common times when we may not wash our hands are before eating and preparing food. Eating in your car at a fast food restaurant? Use a hand sanitizer or use a napkin or paper wrapping to avoid contact with your food.
Do you and your family wash hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing? Although this interrupts what you are doing, washing hands will prevent the spread of germs to others.
Lastly, always wash your hands after petting the dog, feeding or giving your pet a treat. Pets carry germs.
Teach good handwashing practices to children at a young age to stay healthy this holiday season!
Try this great crockpot recipe to save time. Put it together the night before, refrigerate and then plug it in in the morning.
Easy Crock Pot Minestrone Soup
3 cups water
1 10-ounce package frozen mixed
1 1/2 pounds beef shank
1 medium onion diced
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
2 carrots, diced
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 stalks celery with tops, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
16-ounce can garbanzo beans
1 14-1/2 ounce can tomato
1 teaspoon oregano
1 zucchini, sliced
Place all ingredients in crock pot except zucchini. Stir to mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on Low 10 to 16 hours (High: 4 to 6 hours). During last hour, remove beef shank. Cut meat from bones and return to soup with zucchini. Turn crock pot to high and cook one hour. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
