Check Clean-Hand Habits
You've probably heard that washing your hands is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. But do you also know that it’s an important step to take before checking your blood sugar?
Washing helps guard the test site from infection. Plus, using warm water can help increase circulation, making it easier to get a sample. The following step-by-step hints give you the most effective hand-washing techniques:
- Wet your hands with clean (and preferably warm) running water.
- Apply soap, and rub hands together to make a lather.
- Scrub all hand surfaces for a total of 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice through).
- Rinse well under running water.
- Dry completely.
If soap and water are not available, apply an alcohol-based sanitizing product to the palm of one hand. Rub your hands together, covering all hand surfaces, until dry.
Be sure to check out Kick That Cold for more suggestions on how to stay healthy and avoid germs in wintertime and beyond.
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