This is a recurring theme in my newsletters, 

But do you truly realize how important it is and how it can prevent diseases by simply washing and drying your hands properly? The answer might surprise you.

Let us count those diseases prevented by hand hygiene:

1. Respiratory infections
2. Stomach infections
3. Skin infections
4. Eye infections

And that is only the beginning!

Now, imagine this: you have a delicate relative living at home, and inadvertently, you bring a bacterium like Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) into your household via your hands. The impact could be devastating.

Or consider the historical perspective: what if doctors in 1880 had understood the importance of handwashing? Could hand hygiene have changed the fate of our 20th President, James A. Garfield, after he was shoot? He might have served a full term—or even a second. The ripples of history might have looked dramatically different.

Let us also zoom in on something close to home for many of us: the eyes. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but did you know that improper handwashing could lead to a serious infection, resulting in blindness? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, simply cleaning your hands before touching your contact lenses can avert this risk.

Need more proof? 

Hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most powerful tools. We must protect ourselves and others.

In Greek mythology, Asterius, often referred to as the Minotaur, met his fate when he was struck by lightning upon approaching Zeus’s sacred altar with unclean hands.

The Legacy of Cleanliness: From Florence Nightingale to Modern Hygiene Standards

During the Crimean War (1853–1856), Florence Nightingale revolutionized healthcare by implementing rigorous cleaning practices at the Scutari Barracks Hospital. Her insistence on handwashing and sanitary procedures not only saved countless lives but also laid the foundation for modern hygiene standards in hospitals. This pivotal moment sparked a gradual shift in Europe and beyond, shaping the global recognition of cleanliness as a cornerstone of public health.

Today, we have an abundance of tools at our disposal to keep cleanliness—no excuses. Hand sanitizers in various forms, soaps, and paper towels are readily available in offices and public spaces. Organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) ensure that facilities adhere to hygiene protocols, safeguarding the health and productivity of the most important asset of any company or country: its people.

What do you think?

Why don’t we cheer together over two or three olives and continue these ideas?

You never know, we can extend the conversation and find common ground!

What do you think? I am here to listen.