KATHMANDU: Global handwashing day 2019 is being observed today with a theme “clean hands for all”.

This day is observed to increase awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

This day tries to highlight the importance of handwashing and how inadequate handwashing facilities can out an individual at a higher risk of diseases that can impact one’s health, education, and economic outcomes.

This day was first marked in 2008. Handwashing is an essential step to reduce the risk of several diseases.
You must encourage handwashing habits in kids. Kids play and spend a lot of time outdoors.

They come in contact with multiple surfaces that are loaded with germs. Handwashing can help prevent kids from the risk of multiple diseases. Developing handwashing habits in kids at a younger age is a healthy practice every parent must teach.

Following are the times when washing hands with soap is important

• Before and after a meal
• Before and after preparing food
• After using the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• After handling garbage
• Before and after visiting a hospital
• After changing a nappy
• After touching animals or handling animal waste
• Before and after touching someone who is sick or injured
• Inserting or removing contact lenses

How should you wash your hands?

It is still important to know the right technique of washing your hands properly. Following are the steps you should follow when washing hands:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water

2. Apply soap. Rub it all over your hands properly.

3. If you are using liquid handwash, then make sure you pour sufficient quantity so that your hands are cleaned thoroughly.

4. Rub your hands for 15-20 seconds while washing.

5. Rinse well.

6. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel.