Good health starts at your fingertips

Your hands are the first line of defence against infections, so keep them clean

The past few weeks have had everyone across the globe on high alert, with one common but important message broadcast on various platforms - 'Wash your hands'. 
What we don't realise is that our fingers, nails and palms, as well as arms to some extent, are primary parts of our body that come in contact with unfamiliar objects and surfaces on a daily basis. Handing out a business card, sharing stationery, typing on a keyboard, eating hand-held food, opening a door, lifting items, setting things aside, accidentally brushing against someone, etc. - all expose us to dirt, grime and germs that stay on the skin. Following these activities, we then unconsciously touch our faces - especially the nose and mouth - which are easy access points for infectious diseases. This is exactly why parents have long hammered the concept of washing hands into young ones at an early age, especially after playtime.
According to health experts, squeaky clean palms is key to reducing the risk of infections, especially in our battle against Covid-19. A brisk water-and-soap contact under a faucet is not enough; it's the technique that plays a significant role in ensuring your health and well-being.
Prep the right way
One should remove accessories so that you have a good base to start with. Jewellery such as rings and bracelets, as well as watches, get in the way of scrubbing properly between the webs of your fingers, knuckles and wrists. This is also an ideal time to keep those short and trimmed, but for those who prefer to maintain long nails, you need to make sure that the soapy water reaches under the nails to flush out any germs.
Get those hands wet
The soap you use is the star behind removing pathogens, but it will effectively lather under properly wet conditions. Place your hands under running water, and make sure it covers all the nooks and crannies. The temperature of the water is not significant, so you can wash in either cold or warm water. However, health experts advise against hot water. Hot water causes skin to dry out and form cracks, which then make it vulnerable to infections.
Foam it up
Regular or anti-bacterial soap, be it in liquid or bar form, serve the same basic purpose - to lift dirt and germs off the skin. It is understood that soap can effectively break the membrane of certain viruses, including the one that causes Covid-19. Without its membrane, the virus is likely to lose its abilities and is unable to infect individuals. So, turn off that tap and work up a lather; make sure to scrub between the fingers, the edges of your palms and under the nails. Doctors advise properly forming a lather on hands up to the wrist for about 20 to 30 seconds. Turn on the tap and rinse well.
The final round
Ensuring your hands are properly dry is just as important as the process of washing hands. Use a dedicated towel or handkerchief to pat your skin dry. Avoid sharing these items with others, especially among family members. According to experts, towels themselves often become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, so make sure to drop it into the laundry bag after two or three uses. Paper towels and contactless hand driers are also ideal when drying hands. Make sure to wipe off any wet surfaces to avoid contamination.
Sanitisers to the rescue
Hand-washing is superior when it comes to infection control, but sanitisers are a welcome solution for taking care of hands and various surfaces in the absence of soap and water. An icon amid the Covid-19 chaos, the latest range of sanitisers are composed of active ingredients that not only bust bacteria and virus particles, but also keep hands well-moisturised. From desk to travel-friendly versions, sanitisers also come in unscented varieties adapted for sensitive skin, thus ensuring protection for all.
Baby shark gets squeaky clean
Remember the Baby Shark anthem? Its creators have composed new lyrics to encourage children to keep their palms clean and germ-free. The song, 'Wash your hands with Baby Shark', follows its addictive signature "doo doo" tune, followed by an animated and live demonstration on the right way to wash hands. The song also advises youth on personal hygiene, such as covering the mouth when sneezing.
Join the trend
With most of us confined to our homes in hopes of helping authorities control the spread of Covid-19, the internet has become our best friend. Celebrities and influencers alike are taking up fun hand-washing challenges and quirky quarantine clips. Get inspired, join in on the fun, and most importantly, stay home for better health!
 

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