SM, DOH reiterates importance of handwashing
Handwashing is a simple procedure but if taken for granted, can pave the way for the spread of harmful viruses and bacteria.
So said Dr. Marie Jocelyn Te of the Department of Health Region 6 during the Global Handwashing Day celebration held at SM City Iloilo last June 24, 2009. Her reminder was made amid the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the world and its entry in Iloilo City.
“The mode of transmission of Influenza A is in the exposure of droplets from the infected person. The virus can live up to two hours or more outside of its host. Frequent handwashing can reduce one's risk of transmitting and getting the virus,” she added.
Troy Camarista, public relations officer of SM City Iloilo, said that this project by SM Supermalls, aims to share to the 2.8 million daily shoppers of their company about the proper way of handwashing in order to prevent the spread of diseases.
Last June 24, SM Supermalls held a simultaneous handwashing activity along with representatives from the DOH, schools and the City Government, including Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who assured the public that they are doing what they can in order to prevent a community outbreak of H1N1 as well as reiterated the importance of proper hygiene in disease protection.
The activity was in partnership with Unilever, World Health Organization and the Unicef. The Global Handwashing Campaign is being done every year in 76 countries with the participation of 250 million children.
Proper handwashing
Mayo Clinic offers tips on how to properly wash one's hands with soap and water. As follows:
Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well. Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds. 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.
The Mayo Clinic also stated that alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand washing.
Not all hand sanitizers are created equal, though. Some "waterless" hand sanitizers don't contain alcohol. Use only the alcohol-based products. The CDC recommends choosing products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol. To use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, apply about 1/2 teaspoon 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, however, wash with soap and water, if available, rather than a sanitizer.