Hand Washing Week Reveals Dirty Secrets
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - It's a habit that has been taught to us since we were kids.
Hand washing. It is a routine habit for most people after using the restroom or before a meal. You would think.
As part of National Hand Washing Week, CBS4's Cynthia Demos hit the streets of South Florida to talk to people about what they should but probably don't want to know.
When asked if they washed their hands, most people said yes. Miami resident, Jazzy Romin was asked the same question.
"Yes, I do," said Romin.
Two out of three people regularly wash their hands after using the restroom. That means 33 percent of people in the U.S. don't, so you might be shaking someone's unwashed hands.
When asked about how long cold and flu viruses live on a surface, Jean Pierre of Doral said, "5 days".
Cold and flu viruses actually live on a surface for three days. That is still much longer than most people thought.
Robert Lopez was asked how diligent he was about changing diapers when his kids were young. He said he wasn't too diligent then, but times have changed and he is much more aware now.
Statistics say that about 1 in 4 people do not wash their hands after a diaper change.
For those who love pets, only 50 percent of dog owners said they routinely wash their hands after a pick up.
The good habits you create today will be passed along to your kids and if your child washes his hands four times a day he will have 25 percent fewer sick days!
For those who want to clean up their act, simple steps will go a long way. Wash your hands with hot water and soap for 20 seconds at a time, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, don't put hands in your eyes, nose and mouth and carry anti-bacterial products, especially when traveling.
