Why Handwashing Is Important For Health: Washing hands seems to be a very simple habit. It neither takes much time nor requires any special equipment. Still, this small habit can protect us from many types of infections. This is the reason why even in this era of modern medicine, doctors recommend washing hands frequently. This is not just a matter of personal cleanliness, but an important step related to the health of the entire society.

Even before the advent of vaccines and antibiotics, hand hygiene played a big role in saving lives. The same thing came to light again during the Covid-19 pandemic that clean hands are the easiest way to break the chain of infection.

Why is it important to wash hands?

We touch many things in everyday life, like door handles, mobile phones, money, railings or even shaking hands with someone. Micro-organisms can be present on all these. Dr Prateek Gopani told TOI that many people do not take hand washing seriously, even though this habit prevents many serious infections and improves overall health. When dirty hands reach the face, eyes, nose or mouth, these organisms enter the body and diseases start.

What diseases does it spread?

Similarly, diseases like cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and influenza spread. The special thing is that infection can occur not only in dirty environments but also in clean places. Therefore it is important to be cautious.

What came out in the research

Scientific research also confirms this. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, proper hand washing can reduce the risk of infection by about 20 percent. In countries where there are better facilities for clean water and sanitation, a clear decline in the cases of infection has been seen.

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These things should not be ignored

Often people ignore small everyday occasions where washing hands is necessary. Such as after using the toilet, before cooking or eating food, after touching raw food, after coughing or sneezing, after touching pets or garbage, and after coming home from outside. This habit is even more important for children and the elderly, because their immune systems are relatively weak.

correct way to wash hands

The method of washing hands is as important as doing it. Hands should be washed with soap and water for about 20 seconds. Palms, back of hands, between fingers and under nails should be thoroughly cleaned. Soap helps remove dirt and germs, whereas washing with water alone is not enough. If soap is not available, an alcohol-based sanitizer can be used, but it is not a complete substitute.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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Stroke Risk: The problems related to climate change are no longer limited to just environmental problems like melting of glaciers or rising sea level. This is having a deep impact on our health, especially our brain. From increasing heat to changing weather and pollution, they are now directly linked to serious diseases like stroke. Experts have warned that now the risk of stroke is not limited to food habits or lifestyle only, but it is also related to the air and temperature in which we live. It is also becoming one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.

Risk of stroke increases due to heat and dehydration

According to the report, extreme heat significantly increases the risk of stroke. In a new scientific statement from the World Stroke Organization published in the International Journal of Stroke, it has been told that the weather outside is now starting to affect the activities happening inside our brain. The reason for this is that when the temperature rises too much, water starts leaving the body rapidly, which leads to dehydration. Due to this, the blood becomes thick and the risk of blood clot formation increases, that is, the blood becomes thick and starts clotting, which can cause ischemic stroke. Apart from this, heat also puts pressure on the heart and blood vessels, which further increases the risk.

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effect of suddenly changing weather

Often people think that this is happening due to heat, but in this situation, not only heat, but sudden changes in weather also affect the body. Rapid changes in temperature, humidity and air pressure can increase blood pressure, which becomes the main cause of stroke. On this, experts believe that when the body has to adapt itself to the changing weather again and again, it puts extra pressure on the heart and brain and the risk of stroke increases.

Danger of pollution and compound weather

After this, there are situations which experts call “combined events”, that is, a weather that brings many problems simultaneously. We are talking about increase in air pollution along with climate change. In such circumstances, these problems aggravate each other, causing greater impact on the body. Increasing air pollution with climate change also increases the risk of stroke. Vehicle emissions, factories and events caused by climate change such as forest fires and dust storms spread very small particles in the air which reach the blood through the lungs and damage the blood vessels, increasing the risk of blockage or bursting. More than 20 percent of stroke cases worldwide are believed to be related to pollution. Apart from this, when several weather conditions like heat and drought or cold and humidity come together, this danger increases further.

Which people are most affected and what are the solutions?

According to the report, this condition proves to be dangerous and sometimes fatal for the elderly, people working outside and those who are already weak or ill. Especially about 89 percent of stroke cases are seen in low-income countries, where the impact of climate is also greater, and they also have less resources to deal with it. Experts say that to reduce this threat, it is very important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adopt clean energy and make people aware. Besides, there is a need to prepare the health system for weather related risks.

Also read: Do you also feel less hungry in summer? Know when it is right and when it is dangerous?

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