Your Health is in Your Hands

Think of how many things you touch in your everyday life. Your hands can pick up bacteria and viruses that can cause infections, such as colds and influenza. Doorknobs might quickly come to mind but also light switches, electronic devices, and remote controls, are all surfaces where you can pick up germs (bacteria and viruses). Germs can get into your eyes, mouth and nose and can make you sick.

Your hands play an important role in the spread of germs that cause illness. Washing your hands is the single most important way to keep yourself healthy. There are two methods to kill or remove germs on your hands:

1. Use alcohol-based hand rub. This is the preferred method of hand washing when hands are not visibly soiled.
2. Wash your hands with soap and running water. This is the preferred method when hands are visibly soiled. The mechanical action of washing, rinsing, and drying removes most transient bacteria.

Everyone can work together to prevent the spread of illness. In addition to washing your hands to prevent the spread of illness, you can:

• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve;
• Stay home if you are sick;
• Keep commonly-touched surfaces clean; and
• Get immunized.

Handwashing presentations are available for facilities and can be scheduled by contacting the duty inspector at 705-267-1181 or toll free at 800-461-1818. The inspection department can also be contacted by email at [email protected].