Georgia Southern public health students promoting Global Handwashing Day amid COVID-19 pandemic
Students in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH) are bringing awareness to the importance of hand-washing in accordance with Global Handwashing Day, which is Oct. 15. The students are in a Global Health Policy class taught by Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management, Bill Mase, DrPH, who said knowing proper hand-washing techniques is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hand-washing is always important as it dramatically reduces your risk of contracting diseases,” Mase said. “It is important to wash your hands before eating or cooking, after using the bathroom, when entering a shared public space like the RAC or fitness facilities, after blowing your nose or coughing, and other activities such as working outdoors.”
Mase said the biggest challenge is making sure people understand how to wash their hands thoroughly, which includes using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and cleaning under fingernails.
“One strategy is to sing a song such as ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm’ while washing your hands to ensure you are taking enough time,” Mase said. “It is also important to use a clean towel to dry your hands after washing.”
Mase believes the students in his class are leading by example, and he said overall his students are making positive impacts on their peers.
“I feel that every student at Georgia Southern University has been given a crash course in public health over the past 8 months,” Mase said. “When I witness the tremendous impact our students have made by taking action to make our campus environments safe through the strategies such as wearing masks, social distancing, hand-washing, staying home when they are sick and getting tested for COVID-19 if exposed, I feel that demonstrates leadership as they are advocating for the health of everyone.”
For more information about hand-washing techniques and its importance, follow @JPHCOPH on social media or visit their website, jphcoph.georgiasouthern.edu/.
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