Have you ever considered the door knobs/handles in your dorm? Think about it for a minute. How many people live in your dorm? All of those people are going in and out of the dorm, perhaps multiple times each day and every time they do they are touching those knobs/handles. And then you come along and you touch that knob/handle. You have just exposed yourself to the germs that were on the hands of everyone else who used that knob/handle – YUCK!
Now consider the door knobs/handles of your classrooms and buildings. How many people are taking classes in those buildings? Again, every time you touch that knob/handle you are exposing yourself to the germs that were on the hands of everyone else who used that knob/handle – again YUCK!
Is it any wonder that college students get sick?!! The most effective thing you can do to avoid getting sick, according to the CDC, is to wash your hands. Frequent washing will help to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes.
What is the right way to wash your hands?
- Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
- Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.
Don’t underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you trips to Student Health Services.
Submitted by Tina Comston, M.Ed.