Remember Ignaz Semmelweis?

Over 100 years ago Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis demonstrated that routine hand washing can prevent the spread of disease. Dr. Semmelweis insisted that his students wash their hands between touching cadavers and beginning their rounds in the maternity ward. As a result, deaths fell fivefold. Although he failed to convince his fellow physicians, he was ultimately vindicated. Only after Dr. Semmelweis's death was the germ theory of disease developed, and
he is now recognized as a pioneer of antiseptic policy and prevention of nosocomial disease.

The most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. By frequently washing your hands you wash away germs that you have picked up from other people, from contaminated surfaces or from animals and animal waste.

What happens if you do not wash your hands frequently?
You pick up germs from other sources and then you infect yourself when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold virus. You can also spread germs directly to others or onto surfaces that other people touch. Before you know it, everybody around you is getting sick. The important thing to remember is that in addition to colds, some pretty serious diseases, like Hepatitis A, Meningitis, and infectious diarrhea can easily be prevented if people make a habit of washing their hands.

When should you wash your hands?
You should wash your hands often. Probably more often than you do now because you can’t see germs with the naked eye or smell them, so you do not really know where they are hiding. It is especially important to wash your hands before, during and after you prepare food; before you eat and after you use the bathroom; after handling animals or animal waste; when your hands are dirty, and more frequently when you are around someone who is sick.

What is the correct way to wash your hands?
First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap back on a rack and allow it to drain. Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces. Continue for 10 – 15 seconds or about the length of a little tune. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. Rinse well and dry your hands.

It is estimated that one out of three people do not wash their hands after using the restroom, so these tips are also important when you are out in public. Washing your hands regularly can certainly save a lot on medical bills.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October 10 th, 5:00 p.m. OKTOBERFEST 3k Walk / 5k Run
Sign up in the Student Center, Health and Wellness Services or your Residence Hall

All month - Stop by Health and Wellness Services for your personal breast self-exam card
Women’s Health Tests and Screening slide and enter to win great breast cancer awareness prizes.

Flu vaccinations will be available after Fall Break for $12.00. Watch your e-mail!

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