Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

The East Hartford Health Department would like to remind residents that hand hygiene goes a long way! You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

 Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them

For more information and hand washing tips, please follow recommendations set forth by CT DPH and the CDC.