Many times when we talk about improving health, we talk about weight loss, quitting smoking, exercising more, drinking less but there is one simple thing that we should all remember and that is washing our hands properly. Hand washing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps that include Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry. It’s that easy and it will reduce the spread of diarrhea and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy.

Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or already sick, find out how good hand hygiene can protect you, your family, and others. Did you know that the common cold is responsible for 22 million lost school days each year? That does not include more serious illnesses such as meningitis, flu, hepatitis A and ost types of infectious diarrhea.

First Line of Defense Against Germs

Germs can be spread many ways, including:

• through contaminated water and food
• touching other dirty hands
• changing dirty diapers
• through droplets in the air released during a cough or sneeze
• on contaminated surfaces, like toilet handles, light switches, door knobs, etc

When you come into contact with germs, you can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. And once you’re infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness.

How to Wash Hands Correctly

Read and watch our Neem Team talk about how to wash the germs away and properly wash your hands. Share this with your kids so that they will pick this up as a regular routine and stay healthy.

1. Wash your hands in warm water.
2. Use soap (we love our Neem Foaming Hand Soap or Neem Oil Bar Soaps) and lather up for about 20 seconds (Did you know that Neem is naturally antibacterial?). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists!
3. Rinse and dry well with a clean towel. If possible, turn off the water using your elbow or even a paper towel if you have one handy.

When should you wash your hands?

To minimize the germs passed around your family, make regular hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:

• before eating and cooking
• after using the restroom
• after cleaning around the house
• after touching animals, including family pets
• before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
• after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
• after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)

No Running Water? No problem. 

All About Neem Foaming hand soap can be used without water if in a pinch. Just apply a pump of neem foaming soap in your hand and rub thoroughly on top, bottom and in between hands and fingers. Allow this to dry and your hands will be clean and protected from germs. Another option would be a hand sanitizer, Neem Extract can be used as a natural, chemical free hand sanitizer. Spray a couple of squirts into the palm of your hands and rub thoroughly between your fingers, palm and top of hand. A travel sized spray bottle of Neem Extract Hand Sanitizer can be used anywhere by adults and kids. Don’t leave home without it.

Want to learn more?  Check out these Neem News and blogs. 

How to Use Neem Extract to Win the Germ Wars

What is Neem?

The Neem Team Talks about Proper Hand washing and the benefits of Neem Soap 

The Neem Team Talks about Before School Proper Hygiene and how they stay protected from germs