Why Washing Your Hands Is So Important | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why Washing Your Hands Is So Important

Your hands will become home to millions of bacteria.

254
Why Washing Your Hands Is So Important
123rf.com

Every day, I am noticing more and more people are not washing their hands after using the bathroom and these people are not children either, they are grown, adults. I thought everyone was taught to wash their hands after using the bathroom, but maybe I was wrong.

With the growing number of people who skip washing their hands, there are a few alarming facts they should take into consideration.

Everyone knows that there are plenty of bacteria in bathrooms. However, according to an article on Bustle, "The average person has about 200 million bacteria per square inch on their hands after using the bathroom." Let that sink in for a minute- 200 million bacteria per square inch.

And when you skip washing your hands, that 200 million bacteria spreads not only onto everything you touch but also on the food you eat. So, you are pretty much-eating bacteria from the bathroom. I don't know about you but that seems disgusting to me.

Not washing your hands also spreads diseases more quickly. Respiratory diseases and bacterial infections are more likely to be spread when one does not wash their hands. Think of everything you touch every day: handrails, door knobs, your face, your eyes, food, and much more.

Touching all of those allows for all of the bacteria on your hands to spread. So, if you just so happen to have a bacteria on your hand that causes a disease, it is very likely you will spread it to others and yourself.

Washing your hands is not that difficult. It takes about 15-30 seconds at the most. It is still likely that some of the bacteria will remain on your hands after washing them, but not 200 million. Also when given the option of drying your hands using paper towels or hand dryers, it has been found that hand dryers actually contain much more bacteria than paper towels.

Therefore, for the best hygiene after using the restroom, wash your hands for about 30 seconds and dry with paper towels.

The next time you use the restroom think about washing your hands if you used to skip. I promise it won't be a waste of your time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189585
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14522
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457541
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26461
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments