Did you know that National Handwashing Awareness Week is observed during the first week of December every year? The purpose of this week is to raise awareness on the importance of handwashing in order to prevent the spread of germs and infections. 

Washing one’s hands may seem like a task that comes second nature and that never really has to be thought about, but we always need to be reminded how to effectively wash our hands in order to stay healthy during this time of year.

The CDC Recommends a 5 step process for washing one’s hands:

1. Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
3. Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.