Maintaining good health can be challenging in winter, especially for seniors. One of the most crucial elements of winter wellness is hand hygiene. Proper hand hygiene is your first line of defense against the season's common colds, flu, and other infections, and it's especially essential for seniors and their caregivers.
Senior Helpers Madison will delve into handy tips for maintaining optimal hand hygiene during the chillier months so you can stay healthy and enjoy the winter season.
Understanding the Importance of Hand Hygiene
Germs can spread from person to person or through touching contaminated objects. In winter, viruses such as the common cold or influenza tend to be more prevalent, and seniors are particularly susceptible due to weakened immune systems.
Correct hand hygiene is not just a personal responsibility – it's a vital step in protecting others, particularly for those who have frequent contact with seniors, such as caregivers.
The Art of Proper Handwashing
Handwashing seems straightforward, but there are quite a few steps involved to ensure that you are genuinely eliminating the maximum amount of germs possible. Begin by wetting your hands with clean water, then apply enough soap to cover your hands entirely. Rub your hands together to form a lather.
Don't forget to clean under your fingernails, between your fingers, and the backs of your hands, as these areas can hold a surprising amount of germs. Aim to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds - the same amount of time it takes to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice. Following this, rinse your hands under running water and dry them thoroughly. Damp hands can attract new germs, so ensuring your hands are completely dry is as vital as washing itself.
Using Hand Sanitizers Effectively
There will be times when handwashing facilities are not readily available. In such situations, hand sanitizers serve as an effective alternative. They should have an alcohol content of at least 60% to kill most germs effectively.
To use, apply a generous amount to the palm of one hand. Rub your hands together, making sure the sanitizer comes into contact with all areas of your hands and fingers. Wait for the sanitizer to dry naturally. It should take less than a minute. While the use of hand sanitizers is necessary at times, nothing can replace the efficiency of thorough handwashing with soap and water.
Hand Hygiene at Home
While public places are often seen as germ hotspots, our homes can also harbor various germs. Caregivers, family members, and seniors themselves should maintain optimal hand hygiene to reduce the risk of infections. Keeping a clean home environment can also keep germs at bay. Regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and remote controls, should be frequently cleaned and disinfected.
Get Hygiene Assistance From Senior Helpers
Paying close attention to hand hygiene, especially during winter, is a practical and straightforward way to enhance your health and those around you. By being mindful of our hygiene practices, we can hopefully spend more of the winter season enjoying the company of our loved ones, rather than combatting pesky viruses and infections.
If you live in Madison, Stoughton, DeForest, Cottage Grove, or Verona, contact us at Senior Helpers Madison, WI, for information about our senior care services!