Hand washing, when done properly, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer — a cleanser that doesn't require water.

The dangers of not washing your hands

Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don't practice this habit as often as they should. “Throughout the day people accumulate germs on their hands from a variety of sources, such as direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, foods, and even animals,” explains Maura Ratchford, RN, Community Nurse Liaison at Hallmark health VNA and Hospice. A person can become infected with these germs by touching the eyes, nose or mouth. “These germs can also be spread to  others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch, such as doorknobs,” she says.

Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. The combination of the flu and pneumonia, in fact, is the eighth-leading cause of death among Americans.

Inadequate hand hygiene can also contribute to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection.

Proper hand-washing techniques

Good hand-washing techniques include washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Follow these instructions for washing your hands with soap and water:

-Wet your hand with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use a clean bar of  soap.  Lather your hands well.

-Rub your hands vigorously together for between 15 to 20 seconds.

-Scrub all surfaces of your hands (between your fingers, under your fingernails, wrists)

-Rinse well.

-Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.

-Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

Follow these instructions when using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

-Apply about 1/2 teaspoon of the product on the palm of your hand.

-Rub your hands together, covering all the surfaces of your hands until they are dry.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, says Ratchford, do not require water and are an excellent alternative to hand washing, especially when soap and water are not available.