What is an easy, inexpensive, proven way to prevent colds, flu, and the spread of other infectious diseases? HANDWASHING!

In addition to the viruses that cause the common cold, bacteria and viruses that cause conjunctivitis (pink-eye), strep throat, diarrhea, or Hepatitis A could be present on unwashed hands.

According to researchers at the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "Handwashing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection."

To properly wash your hands you need: warm (110^oF) running water, soap (any old soap will do), and paper towels. Warm water helps generate lather and encourages scrubbing for 15-20 seconds. The combination of the wetting agents in the soap, along with 15-20 seconds of scrubbing, physically loosens the dirt and germs. Once loosened, the dirt and germs will be physically removed from your hands when you rinse them under running water, and dry them with a paper towel. Dirt and germs are removed during both rinsing and wiping dry. Even though it may not be environmentally friendly, single use towels are the preferred means of drying hands. Wiping hands removes the remaining moisture plus dirt and germs. A cloth towel or sponge should not be used to dry hands because dirt and germs from previous users could still be present and recontaminate your hands. Studies have shown that a hot air blower does not reduce the bacterial counts on wet hands the way paper towels do. The air temperature of a blower is not hot enough nor are the hands exposed to the air long enough to kill any germs. When using paper towels, the germs are physically transferred from your hands to the towels during drying.

When should hands be washed? Every time they could have become contaminated by germs and before you can infect yourself or someone else. Always wash your hands before beginning to prepare or eat food; after using the bathroom; changing a baby's diaper - yours and the baby's hands even if the diaper is just wet; assisting a child in the bathroom - yours and the child's hands; playing with or cleaning up after a pet especially reptiles and amphibians i.e., turtles, iguanas, salamanders, etc. because they are known to have Salmonella bacteria in their feces; blowing your nose or assisting a child to blow theirs; taking care of a person who is sick or cleaning up after them; before and after using plastic gloves; before and after providing first aid; and doing any task that could have brought your hands into contact with germs. Remember germs are invisible.

In addition to practicing good hand washing, there are several other practices that can help to reduce the spread of infection. By keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth you can reduce the chances of becoming infected with bacteria and viruses. Children should be discouraged from putting items that could be contaminated with germs into their mouths. A common cloth or sponge should not be used to wash or dry children's hands and faces. Do not substitute a bowl of water for running water at a hand wash station.

For more information on hand washing-related research findings go to www.foodsafety.gov/~dms/fsehandw.html

Go to www.microbe.org/washup/handwashing_quiz.asp to check your handwashing savvy.