Americans Get Low Marks On Hygiene
It's a simple but powerful message: Wash your hands to prevent the spread of disease. But how many of us heed that message?
Apparently, not enough.
The Soap and Detergent Association is out with its 4th Clean Hands Report, and it gives Americans a C-minus.
That's because some key hand-washing hygiene skills seems to have slipped.
Echo Research conducted the telephone survey of 916 heads of households, 458 women and 458 men, in August 2008 on the association's behalf.
Hand Washing Slipping in America
Some key findings:
In a news release, Nancy Bock with the Soap and Detergent Association says it's time to get on board with hand-washing.
"Americans should prepare for the onslaught of cold and flu season," she says. "Cleaning your hands regularly throughout the day can help keep you out of the doctor's office or the emergency room."
The CDC routinely says that washing hands is the single most important way to prevent the spread of illness, including colds and flu.
Teachers Get an A
A group of teachers was separately questioned and seemed to know about hand-washing hygiene.
Wash Your Hands Properly
Here are some hand-washing tips:
When to Wash?
The Soap and Detergent Association says to always wash your hands before making food, before eating, after going to the bathroom, after petting animals, when your hands are dirty, and when you or someone nearby is sick.
By Kelley Colihan
Reviewed by Louise Chang
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