Washing your hands, frequently, is such a quick, easy step toward better health, but it is surprising how many people choose not to do it, even after using the restroom. Throughout the day, germs collect on your hands from direct contact with people, surfaces, foods, and even animals. You can infect yourself with these contaminants by touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or a cut.

Penobscot Valley Hospital is participating in a program called “Partners in Your Care” (PIYC), through the University of Pennsylvania. PVH Assistant Nursing Director Kathy Schneider says, “The program emphasizes the importance of frequent hand washing by hospital employees and encourages patients to be equally diligent.”

Antibacterial soaps are very popular, but experts say those products are no more effective at disinfecting your hands than regular soaps. Dr. David Dumont of Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln says alcohol-based antiseptic hand rubs are great for quick disinfecting, but reserve those gels, foams and wipes for when you are on-the-go. “There is no substitute for good, old-fashion soap and hot water.” It’s actually the friction from rubbing your hands together and rinsing away the contaminants by water that provides the best disinfection. Washing your hands also helps prevent food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection.

Here are some simple tips for effective hand washing:

• Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Lather well.
• Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 seconds (Try singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” three times).
• Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
• Rinse well.
• Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
• Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

• Apply about 1/2 tsp of the product to the palm of your hand.
• Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of your hands, until they're dry.
• If your hands are visibly dirty, always wash with soap and water rather than a sanitizer.