Health Tip: Clean Hands Prevent Disease

(HealthDay News) -- Clean hands are one of the most effective ways to avoid disease or infection, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

When washing hands:

• Wet hands with clean running water and use soap.
• Rub hands together to make a lather.
• Scrub all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing for 20 seconds -- or until you''ve sung "Happy Birthday" twice.
• Dry your hands with a paper towel and use it to turn off the faucet.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

-- Deborah DiSesa Hirsch

Last Updated: Feb. 17, 2006