National Handshake Day, wash your hands for health

June 25, 8:50 AMHouston Holistic Health ExaminerMira Dessy

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Houston Holistic Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Photo: commons.wikipedia.com/file/user:Tobias_Wolter

Today is National Handshake Day. We tend to shake hands when we meet or leave people or to signify closing a deal. The problem is that when we shake hands we are potentially exposing ourselves, and the other person, to germs. By extension if we shake hands with someone who has a cold or is spreading bacteria anything we touch shares those germs; door knobs, papers, telephones, our noses and eyes, even our food. According to the Mayo Clinic ”Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection.”

Be friendly, shake hands.  But keep your self as healthy as possible with these tips:

1. If you need to cough or sneeze always face away from others
2. If possible cough or sneeze into a tissue or handkerchief
3. If you don't have a tissue or handkerchief use your elbow
4. Always wash your hands after using the rest room
5. Always wash your hands after touching animals or dirty surfaces
6. Always wash your hands before and after food preparation and eating
7. Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds in hot soapy water
8. Always dry your hands with a clean towel after washing

Here is a video on how to properly wash your hands:

For more information:

How to give a good handshake 
Free handshake day e-cards 
Are hand sanitizers helpful or harmful