I thought I'd take a minute to share a document I recently received in email. It is a dramatic demonstration that shows the amount of bacteria that lives on your fingers and hands. The message is "Wash your hands often and do it right!" The topic is timely with Bird Flu steadily advancing across the globe. During a health crisis, controlling the spread of bacteria becomes a priority for entire populations.

The first two images should grab your attention. If you are still curious, open the web site hosted by the Georgia College of Agriculture and read the entire story.

The test was done by touching finger tips to an agar-filled petri dish then waiting 24 hours. The growth of bacteria is truly astonishing. The test continues by washing the fingers and hands in different ways and repeating the test.

Image 1: Unwashed fingers touching the agar material.

Image2: The resulting bacteria growth after 24 hours.

So when should you wash your hands?

• when hands are visibly soiled
• after using the washroom (includes changing diapers)
• after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• before and after eating; handling food
• after touching raw meat, poultry or fish
• after handling garbage
• after handling pets, animals, or animal waste
• after shaking hands

But what is the correct way to wash your hands? It's really easy if you follow a few simple rules.

1. get your paper towel ready before your start and keep it dry and clean
2. remove rings or jewelry
3. turn on the water and adjust it to a comfortable but warm temperature
4. rinse your hands then apply soap. one squirt from the soap dispenser is enough.
5. rub the soap onto your hands starting at the wrists and working down
6. rub it vigorously into your fingers and between them for 10 to 15 seconds
7. rinse your hands in the running water and leave it running
8. pat your hands dry with the paper towel
9. use the paper towel to turn off the fawcet so you do not contaminate your clean hands
10. but wait, don't throw the towel away just yet. Use it again to open the restroom door. Hold the door open with your foot and throw the towel away as you leave.

As with every important task, you need to practice these steps several times. Teach your children by showing them how to do it right.

Hand Sanitizer products are good too but do not rely on them exclusively. Wash your hands using soap and water when possible.

DuPont has recently introduced their RelyOn(tm) product line. It is a professional strength antiseptic solution in sprays and handwipes. RelyOn(tm) is a little difficult to find in stores but is avaliable online for about $4 for a 2oz bottle. Click here for one example.

Purell products are also popular.

Now go and wash your hands!