You’ve been told to do so ever since you were a child, but just how important is washing your hands? Believe it or not, regular hand washing is one of the most essential factors for maintaining good health and that’s why it’s important to know the significance of hand washing.

Everyone (especially college students) comes in contact with germs and bacteria in their daily life. These dangerous microorganisms are present everywhere on places such as door knobs, faucets, light switches, railings, etc. We touch these things during the school day without much consideration and with the same hands touch our faces, eyes, noses, and the food we eat. While performing these acts, the germs and bacteria get into the body with the potential to cause several diseases.

The following times are when it is extremely important to wash your hands:

- After using the restroom at home or at any public place.

- After visiting a patient at the hospital.

- Before and after eating and/or cooking (especially meat, fish, and poultry).

- After touching pets

- Before touching young infants and children.

- After collecting and throwing out garbage.

- After sneezing, coughing and blowing your nose.

If soap is not available an excellent and affordable alternative is hand sanitizer. Many sicknesses can be prevented each year by more frequent hand washing. So get to it, and you’ll definitely reap the benefits of better health.