“Make sure to wash your hands before you eat!” That is something we have all heard, most likely originating from our parents strict pre-dinner routine. However, did you know handwashing isn’t just a routine that should be practiced only before dinner. We need to include this easy task multiple times in our daily routines.
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the easiest and most important ways to keep yourself and others healthy. A lot of illnesses spread because people don’t wash their hands properly after touching things that might be contaminated. While not all germs are harmful, the bad ones can make you sick if they get into your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Handwashing is especially important for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) because their immune systems might not be as strong, making it easier for them to get sick. Here’s how it helps:
- Stops the Spread of Germs: Washing your hands gets rid of bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can cause infections, which can be more serious for people with CKD.
- Prevents Serious Illness: CKD patients are at a higher risk for sepsis (a severe infection), so keeping hands clean is an easy way to lower that risk.
- Keeps Dialysis Access Safe: For those on dialysis, clean hands help protect the areas where needles or catheters go, preventing infections in those spots.
- Keeps You Healthier Overall: Handwashing reduces the chances of catching everyday bugs like colds or the flu, which can hit harder when you have CKD.
In short, washing your hands regularly is a simple way to stay healthy and easily evade avoidable complications if you have CKD.
