Washing Hands: Best Defense Against Germs

CLEVELAND - Today is Global Handwashing Day, a reminder that one simple habit can go a long way toward helping you stay healthy.

"Handwashing is a super easy and very effective way to slow down the spread of germs. It keeps you, your family and others around you healthy,” explained John Hanicak, MD, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic.

To get the full benefits of handwashing, Dr. Hanicakstressed you have to do it right.

First, wet your hands and then lather with soap. Remember to scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.

Finally, dry your hands thoroughly, as germs can spread more easily on wet hands.

Dr. Hanicak saidit's important to make handwashing a habit throughout the day.

"Wash your hands whenever your mom would have told you to – like before preparing a meal and eating or after sneezing and coughing,” Dr. Hanicak said.

Accordingto Dr. Hanicak, washing with soap and water is best, but a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help clean your hands in a pinch.