Clean Hands

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 23, 1916

DISEASE germs lead a hand-to-mouth existence. If the human race would learn to keep the unwashed hand away from the mouth, many diseases would be greatly diminished. We handle infectious matter more or less constantly, and we continually carry the hands to the mouth. If the hand has recently been in contact with infectious matter, the germs of disease may in this way be introduced into the body. Many persons wet their fingers with saliva before counting money, turning the pages of a book, or performing similar acts. In this case the process is reversed, the infection being carried to the object handled, there to await carriage to the mouth of some other careless person. In view of these facts, the United States Public Health Service has formulated the following simple rules of personal hygiene, and recommends their adoption by every person in the United States:—

Wash the Hands Immediately —

Before eating.

Before handling, preparing, or serving food.

After using the toilet.

After attending the sick.

After handling anything dirty.