Wash your worries away: Importance of hand washing on your health and wellbeing

Wash, wash, wash your hands,

Wash the germs away,

Soap and water does the trick,

To keep the germs away!

Not only do we know the lines of this children’s poem by heart but also know its value. Truly, all of us aware of the benefits of handwashing, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to the forefront of our daily routines. During this time, we learned just how important it is to keep our hands clean to prevent the spread of germs and protect our health.

Interestingly, handwashing or hand hygiene not only helps reduce the risk of infections but also plays an important role in our overall wellbeing. Washing our hands regularly with soap and water and drying later can help us avoid many illnesses, common cold and other serious infections. A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that proper handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses by up to 21%. This statistic highlights the significant impact that this simple act can have on our health.

Global Handwashing Day is celebrated on October 15th annually. This day raises awareness about the significance of handwashing with soap as a simple yet effective way to prevent diseases. It aims to encourage people to make handwashing a regular habit. By promoting proper hand hygiene, Global Handwashing Day seeks to improve public health and reduce the spread of infections. On this day, join us as we explore the importance of hand washing and its effects on your health and wellbeing.

Reduces the spread of germs

We use our hands for just about everything. Throughout the day, from eating and working to touching various surfaces, our hands are everywhere. This means our hands come into contact with a lot of germs, including bacteria and viruses. One of the main benefits of handwashing is its ability to reduce the spread of these germs. By washing our hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom or before eating, we can get rid of most germs. This prevents us from getting sick and also protects those around us by reducing the number of germs passed in shared spaces.

Prevents respiratory infections

Lately, rising pollution levels have made many of us more prone to allergies and other health issues than was usual. One simple way to reduce our risk of such issues is by practising good hand hygiene. Proper handwashing ensures safety and precaution from many respiratory infections like common colds and the flu.

Research too, shows that washing our hands regularly can lower our risk of falling ill. This is especially important during the cold and flu season when infections are very common. By simply washing our hands frequently, we can help protect ourselves and our loved ones from many illnesses.

Promotes overall health

Practising good hand hygiene promotes overall wellbeing and general happiness. It may sound far-fetched but is embed in reality—when we wash our hands regularly, we reduce our chances of getting sick. This means fewer doctor visits and less time taken off work or school. Staying healthy positively impacts our families and communities too. So, by encouraging handwashing as a daily habit, we can create a healthier environment for everyone around us. No matter who or where we are, being healthy makes us feel better in our daily lives.

Enhances emotional wellbeing

Handwashing can also have a positive impact on our emotional wellbeing. A study done by the University of Cologne in Germany found that washing one’s hands after a bad experience or stressful event can lead to feelings of optimism and relief.  It can translate into people feeling refreshed and ready to move forward, handwashing thus becoming a powerful and handy tool  of coping with stress.

Further, a research from the University of Michigan highlighted that handwashing can be both physically and emotionally cleansing. This suggests that washing our hands allows us to feel more comfortable with past decisions or actions we’ve taken. It allows us to feel relief or riddance, whichever is apt.

Supports global health initiatives

Handwashing is a key component of many global health initiatives that are aimed at reducing illness and improving public health. Events like Global Handwashing Day raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene and encourage communities to prioritise this simple practice. By supporting handwashing initiatives, especially in marginalised sections of society, we contribute to the global efforts that are being made to combat infectious diseases and improve sanitation.

Handwashing is a practice that offers numerous benefits, from reducing the spread of germs to promoting overall health. By making it a habit, we can protect ourselves and those around us easily and effectively. It is an act as simple as a poem and as important as keeping healthy.