Rensselaer Wants You to Wash Your Hands

What’s So Important About Washing?

Washing your hands regularly seems like a matter of common sense, and something we all learn to do at an early age.

A recent study by the American Society for Microbiology showed, however, that nearly one third of people skip the soap and water after using a public restroom. Even health care workers have been known to neglect hand washing. But washing your hands keeps you healthy. Staying healthy means not missing classes, work, or social activities due to illness – allowing you to stay involved in your active life here at Rensselaer. Clean hands make it less likely to pass potentially harmful germs to others, too.

If you're not near a sink, be sure to take advantage of our new hand washing stations located across campus!

Research shows that hand washing prevents disease by stopping harmful germs from entering your mouth, eyes, or nose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that hand washing is the “single most important means of preventing the spread of infection” (1995).

When to Wash

Before meals or snacks
After using the bathroom
After wiping or blowing your nose
After visiting a sick person
Whenever hands are dirty

The Waterless Way to Wash

Waterless, alcohol-based hand cleansers do a great job at reducing the amount of germs on hands without the need for a sink, soap, or paper towels. When using a waterless hand cleanser, apply product to the palm of one hand and then rub both hands together. Be sure to cover all surfaces of hands and fingers and rub until hands are dry.

Take advantage of the new water-free hand-washing stations around campus to keep your hands clean and your body healthy.

Washing With Soap and Water

Soap dissolves oil and breaks germs’ connection to skin – lather up for at least 10 seconds.
Rinse well with plenty of warm running water to wash germs and soap suds away.
Avoid picking up the same germs again by using a paper towel to turn off the faucet.
Finally, dry hands with a clean paper towel, or take advantage of an air dryer if available, to reduce the amount of germs even further.

Learn More

To read more about health and hand washing, search these Web sites:

Or visit the Gallagher Student Health Center Web site at: Gallagher Student Health Center

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