The right hand-washing technique can make all the difference in keeping your hands healthy. But it’s not something most of us think about or practice, and the skills we learned in childhood can easily go out the window during busy times.
Soap and friction lift dirt, grease, and microbes (including disease-causing germs) from skin so they can be rinsed off. If these germs are not rinsed away, they may be transferred to food or other surfaces, contributing to illness. To get the most benefit from handwashing, scrub all surfaces of your hands, both the palms and fingers, and underneath your fingernails. Rinse your hands under clean running water, not standing or re-contaminated faucet water. 별내광택
It is a good idea to wash your hands many times throughout the day, especially before preparing food and after using the bathroom. Washing also is important after sneezing or coughing, touching eyes, nose or mouth, and coming into contact with someone who is sick. You should also wash your hands after touching animal feces and before eating or drinking.
Besides the hygiene reasons for washing, one washes their hands also because of kedushah. For example, a kohen washes his or her hands until they reach their wrists before performing any service in the Beit Hamikdash. A barber washes his or her hands after giving a haircut, because it is important to maintain proper cleanliness when touching people’s hair.
If, for any reason, a person cannot wash their hands properly (e.g., he or she is unable to get to a sink), it is permissible to wipe their hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This will remove ruach ra, allowing the individual to recite brachos or pray or study Torah. However, if the sanitizer is not sufficient to thoroughly clean the hands, he or she must wash their hands as soon as possible (Magen Avraham 92:5).
Although many of the reasons for washing our hands are common sense, it is helpful to know the halachic basis for these recommendations. For instance, the CDC’s website has a synopsis of studies showing that handwashing reduces the number of diarrhea-related illnesses and respiratory infections, including colds. It also helps prevent the overuse of antibiotics, which contributes to antibiotic resistance around the world. The CDC recommends that everyone wash their hands often and correctly.
This is an easy and inexpensive way to keep both children and adults healthy. To make this a habit, set a timer for 20 seconds when you wash your hands to remind yourself that it takes at least that long to properly lather, scrub and wash the backs of the hand, both sides of the palms, and between the fingers. Then dry your hands completely with a paper towel. By making this a daily routine, it will become second-nature to do the right thing for your health. 별내손세차