The Idea of Humming a Birthday Song While Washing Hands is Genius

Summary

The article discusses the importance of proper handwashing techniques, emphasizing the CDC's recommendation to wash hands for at least 20 seconds, which can be timed by humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice.

Abstract

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a critical public health issue: the widespread lack of proper handwashing practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that handwashing should last for a minimum of 20 seconds to effectively remove germs. This specific duration has been a significant adjustment for many, especially since prior to the pandemic, the exact length of time for handwashing was not commonly known or practiced. To make this guideline easier to follow, particularly for children and those without access to a timer, the CDC suggests singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice in one's head while washing hands. This method not only ensures the recommended duration is met but also adds an element of fun to the process, making it more likely to be adopted and followed correctly.

Opinions

The author believes that the pandemic has led to the world learning new ways of living, including proper handwashing techniques.
There is an acknowledgment that while handwashing is a habit taught from childhood, the concept of washing hands for a specific duration was not widely known before COVID-19.
The article points out that men and children are less likely to wash their hands properly compared to women.
The author expresses that the initial discomfort with the 20-second rule has been alleviated by the simple and fun method of humming a birthday song.
The CDC's timing method is seen as a creative solution that makes handwashing accessible and engaging for everyone, including minors who may not be able to measure time accurately.

Most people don’t wash their hands properly — a lesson from Covid-19.

We keep learning new things as we keep living. When we thought we have seen it all, new things pop up. When we think we have learned it all, new discoveries emerge.

Since the outbreak of the new virus, everyone is trying so hard to adjust and fit into the new cultures. I may be right if I say here that the world is learning how to live. This is because most of these new cultures have not been here before.

I have known about handwashing since I was a little child. I am sure it is the same with everyone. It is one of the healthy habits we were taught from infancy. But I didn’t know there should be a specific duration for hands washing until recently.

The CDC taught us that hand washings in this pandemic should last for 20 seconds.

At first, I wasn’t comfortable with the new handwashing time. I know there are people who don’t like washing their hands at all. And even when they wash, they don’t care about detergent or the duration of the washing. They just rinse with water and go their ways.

Men and children have a higher percentage in the number of people that don’t wash their hands. It is also in the record that women wash hands more than the men.

Like I said earlier, I wasn’t comfortable with the 20 seconds timing. We know that children cannot wash their hands properly on their own. It must be done under supervision.

Let’s assume that everyone, including the children, has learned handwashing with detergent and running tap. There will still be a challenge.

In the absence of a wristwatch, wall clock, or timer, how do we know the 20 seconds have completed? Who will count for the children?

As if they read the people’s minds, the solution was given. This time, hand washing becomes fun. We were taught to sing a birthday song in our hearts twice as we wash our hands.

“Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.” CDC

With this, we are no longer worried about the minors. They can count and wash for themselves. How could we have learned this handwashing in a grand style, if not for Covid-19?