The document discusses the importance of proper hand washing. It states that while most people are aware of hand washing, only 5% do it correctly. Correct hand washing in 5 steps can help prevent over 1 million deaths annually from decreasing transmission of food-borne illness, respiratory illness by 16%, and diarrhea-associated deaths by 50% according to the CDC. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers can be an effective alternative if used properly by rubbing thoroughly over all hand surfaces.

1. S
The Importance of
Hand Washing
Melissa Claunch

2. We all know
about hand
washing, yet…
only 5% of
people wash
their hands
with proper
technique!

3. Hand washing is often the most
overlooked tactic in preventing
diseases

4. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Improved
Hand Washing Could…
Prevent one million deaths per
year
Significantly reduce food-borne
illness transmission
Decrease respiratory illnesses
by 16%
Decrease diarrhea-associated
deaths by 50%
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2014). Hygiene fast facts: Information on water-related hygiene.
Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/fast_facts.html

5. So…how do you properly
wash your hands?

6. Correct hand washing can be
done in 5 easy steps:
Wet your
hands
Apply soap
Lather and
scrub for 20
seconds
Rinse
Dry
thoroughly

7. Scrubbing is
the most
overlooked
step in hand
washing, yet
it is the
MOST
important for
removing
germs &
bacteria!

8. What if soap and water are not
available?
Hand sanitizers
offer an
acceptable
alternative to
soap and water
Apply sanitizer to
hands and rub
thoroughly,
covering all
surfaces, until
your hands are

9. When done
correctly,
Hand washing
is the single
most effective
way to prevent
the spread of
communicable
diseases.

10. Help keep
everyone
safe…
Practice great
hand washing
everyday!