Washing Hands: Saving lives with soap and water

An Airman washes their hands, May 7, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. There are 600,000 germs on average on your hands, and people should wash their hands at least 15 times a day according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Proper hand washing only takes 30 seconds to complete. Start by using warm water then add soap and continue washing for 20 seconds to include both sides of your hands and fingernails. The CDC estimates that if everyone routinely washed their hands, a million deaths a year could be prevented. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Colin Cates)

Washing Hands: Saving lives with soap and water

Published May 8, 2014
By Senior Airman Colin Cates
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar - -- AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar - Since childhood we have been taught and given many lessons on a method to prevent the spreading of germs that we do not practice enough: hand washing.

On average, there are 600,000 germs on hands, and people should wash their hands at least 15 times a day according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Lots of people think that washing your hands is not that important, but the truth is washing hands is essential to reducing the spread of disease and preventing sickness," said Staff Sgt. Travis Kyle, 379th Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron public health specialist.

People should wash hands properly after using the toilet, visiting public facilities, handling animals and before and after handling food to help prevent the spread of disease and keep good health according to the American Public Health Association.

"Proper hand washing only takes 30 seconds of your time," said Kyle. "Start by using warm water then add soap and continue washing for 20 seconds to include both sides of your hands and fingernails,"

"Doing something as simple as washing your hands makes a huge difference for lots of people and helps us maintain a healthy force," said Kyle.