Ilonggos join observance of hand-washing day
A synchronized hand-washing day will be observed today (October 15) with major hospitals in Iloilo City joining this global observance.
Director Ariel I. Valencia of the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Development 6 disclosed that the activity is expected to help prevent the spread of A H1N1 and improving child survival.
Valencia said that the activity will kick-off at 12 noon. The participating hospitals include Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital; St. Paul Hospital; Iloilo Mission Hospital; Western Visayas Medical Center; West Visayas State University Medical Center and Seamen’s Hospital.
The DOH 6 director emphasized that good hand-washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses.
“Hand-washing with soap with running water, and the washing of all surfaces thoroughly, including under fingernails is seen as necessary. Let us join hands in celebrating October as an Infection Month” Valencia said.
It will be recalled that in one occasion, no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo demonstrated the six steps in hand-washing to students, teachers and school officials.
The six steps in proper hand-washing are: 1) Wet hands and apply Soap; 2) Begin scrubbing the left and right palms making sure to soap the nails and fingers; 3) Scrub the sides of each finger; 4) Scrub the back of each finger; 5) Scrub the sides of each thumb; and; 6) Wash off soap with water. (PIA6/T.Villavert)