http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090429-138240.html
Thu, Apr 30, 2009
Advertorial
Do you know how to wash your hands?
Are there any individuals who do not know how to wash their hands? We were all taught how to wash our hands when we were young by our mothers and kindergarten teachers. Nevertheless, are you washing your hands the right way? Are your hands really clean? Before we discuss these two questions, let us take a look at why we need to wash our hands and make sure they are thoroughly clean.
Unseen enemies
Germs exist everywhere in our living environment. There may be more than 3,000 germs on every square inch of our desks at our work places. Certain viruses can survive for more than 20 minutes on the surfaces of objects. E. coli and salmonella bacteria can survive on door handles, computer keyboards and desks for more than two hours. Such harmful germs are our unseen enemies.
As we come into contact with many different things every day, we can carry all types of germs on our hands. Some people like to pick their noses or rub their eyes with their hands. Such actions damage the mucosa of their noses and eyes and help germs enter the body. To avoid falling sick from such intruders, we must learn to wash our hands regularly and ensure that they are thoroughly clean.
Taking pre-emptive measures
We should take pre-emptive measures by destroying the harmful germs before they have a chance to harm us. We should wash our hands immediately in the following situations:
After using public facilities, e.g., after having touched handles on buses and trains, buttons on lifts, door handles and the counters of banks or other institutions.
After making hand contact with others, such as after shaking hands (if it is not convenient for you to wash your hands immediately, you need to be careful not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose) and after withdrawing money.
After coming into contact with any discharge from your mouth, nose or eyes; this is to prevent you from spreading germs to other people.
Get into the habit of washing your hands regularly: Wash your hands before you eat and after you use the washroom; wash your hands immediately after you arrive home; if you need to take public transport or lifts when you go to school or office in the morning, it is best that you wash your hands afterwards.
Do not skip any steps
Some people take only a few seconds to wash their hands, but such cursory washing may leave germs on their hands. You can refer to the diagram to see how you can clean your hands thoroughly. There are eight steps altogether; you should not skip a single one.
1. Rinse your hands under the tap.
2. Apply some soap or hand sanitiser.
3. Rub your hands against each other for ten seconds.
4. Intertwine your fingers and rub the spaces between them.
5. Rub the back of your hands.
6. Scrub under your fingernails.
7. Rub your wrists.
8. Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water and use a paper towel or disposable towel to dry them
Some basic knowledge about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is an acute infectious disease that affects young children. It is caused by an intestinal virus and is more commonly seen in children below five. Early symptoms in children include fever, painful lesions on the side of the mouth, sore throat, drooling and loss of appetite. After one to two days, the child may develop red spots in areas such as the hands, feet and mouth. The red spots will gradually develop into blisters containing slightly murky liquid. As this condition is generally marked by such blisters and the blisters are mainly concentrated in the hand, foot and mouth regions, the disease is known as Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
There is no need to worry if one has contracted HFMD because recovery is quick if medication is taken on time. However, if the condition is not discovered and treated early, this may lead to meningitis, myocarditis and pneumonia. In severe cases, this may result in death.
During the period of illness, it is best that the patient stays at home to avoid transmitting the disease to others. The patient's toys, books, tableware, towels and clothes should be stored separately to prevent them from infecting family members. The patient's school should be notified immediately so that school authorities can monitor other students to prevent any spread of HFMD. After recovering from the illness, the patient should consult a doctor before returning to school.
Thu, Apr 30, 2009
Advertorial
Do you know how to wash your hands?
Are there any individuals who do not know how to wash their hands? We were all taught how to wash our hands when we were young by our mothers and kindergarten teachers. Nevertheless, are you washing your hands the right way? Are your hands really clean? Before we discuss these two questions, let us take a look at why we need to wash our hands and make sure they are thoroughly clean.
Unseen enemies
Germs exist everywhere in our living environment. There may be more than 3,000 germs on every square inch of our desks at our work places. Certain viruses can survive for more than 20 minutes on the surfaces of objects. E. coli and salmonella bacteria can survive on door handles, computer keyboards and desks for more than two hours. Such harmful germs are our unseen enemies.
As we come into contact with many different things every day, we can carry all types of germs on our hands. Some people like to pick their noses or rub their eyes with their hands. Such actions damage the mucosa of their noses and eyes and help germs enter the body. To avoid falling sick from such intruders, we must learn to wash our hands regularly and ensure that they are thoroughly clean.
Taking pre-emptive measures
We should take pre-emptive measures by destroying the harmful germs before they have a chance to harm us. We should wash our hands immediately in the following situations:
After using public facilities, e.g., after having touched handles on buses and trains, buttons on lifts, door handles and the counters of banks or other institutions.
After making hand contact with others, such as after shaking hands (if it is not convenient for you to wash your hands immediately, you need to be careful not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose) and after withdrawing money.
After coming into contact with any discharge from your mouth, nose or eyes; this is to prevent you from spreading germs to other people.
Get into the habit of washing your hands regularly: Wash your hands before you eat and after you use the washroom; wash your hands immediately after you arrive home; if you need to take public transport or lifts when you go to school or office in the morning, it is best that you wash your hands afterwards.
Do not skip any steps
Some people take only a few seconds to wash their hands, but such cursory washing may leave germs on their hands. You can refer to the diagram to see how you can clean your hands thoroughly. There are eight steps altogether; you should not skip a single one.
1. Rinse your hands under the tap.
2. Apply some soap or hand sanitiser.
3. Rub your hands against each other for ten seconds.
4. Intertwine your fingers and rub the spaces between them.
5. Rub the back of your hands.
6. Scrub under your fingernails.
7. Rub your wrists.
8. Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water and use a paper towel or disposable towel to dry them
Some basic knowledge about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is an acute infectious disease that affects young children. It is caused by an intestinal virus and is more commonly seen in children below five. Early symptoms in children include fever, painful lesions on the side of the mouth, sore throat, drooling and loss of appetite. After one to two days, the child may develop red spots in areas such as the hands, feet and mouth. The red spots will gradually develop into blisters containing slightly murky liquid. As this condition is generally marked by such blisters and the blisters are mainly concentrated in the hand, foot and mouth regions, the disease is known as Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
There is no need to worry if one has contracted HFMD because recovery is quick if medication is taken on time. However, if the condition is not discovered and treated early, this may lead to meningitis, myocarditis and pneumonia. In severe cases, this may result in death.
During the period of illness, it is best that the patient stays at home to avoid transmitting the disease to others. The patient's toys, books, tableware, towels and clothes should be stored separately to prevent them from infecting family members. The patient's school should be notified immediately so that school authorities can monitor other students to prevent any spread of HFMD. After recovering from the illness, the patient should consult a doctor before returning to school.
