By Yusuf Boluwatife
Hand washing, like every other hygienic habit, helps to keep germs away. Described as an effective protection against infections, regular washing of hands with soap and water can also help to contain the spread of many communicable diseases.
In commemoration of Global Hand Wahing Day celebrated every October 15, BlackBox Nigeria highlights some benefits of hand washing you should know.
• Keeps germs away
This might sound cliché. As we go about our day-to-day life, we get in context with germs transiting objects or surfaces. Germs find their way into the body system through the eyes, nose and mouth. As noted by medical experts, the simple habit of hand washing helps to keep germs away.
• Prevents sicknesses
Washing of hands prevents germs from causing sicknesses if they get to the body system. Beyond its hygienic value, hand washing is the first line of defence against several illnesses. A germs-free hand is an illness-free hand.
• Aids against virus transmission
Regular washing of hands will prevent us from transferring viruses to other people. When we cough or sneeze into our hands, we can transmit virus to others by mere touching. This explains why regular hand washing is one of the prevention measures against COVID-19.
• Helps to keep an healthy lifestyle
Of all hygienic acts, washing of hands seems to be the easiest one to adhere to. Hence, getting used to handwashing will not only raise our awareness about personal hygiene but also improve other hygienic habits such as cutting of nails, keeping our hands away from our nose and ear, etc.
• Keeps your environment free from bacteria
As rightly pointed earlier, our hands get in contact with germs when we touch surfaces or objects. Regular washing of your hands with soap and water will stop you from serving as the medium through which bacteria is spread around your environment.
