Why SOAP = HOPE: We are all in this together.

Washing your hands properly with soap & water remains one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Sometimes, the simplest, centuries-old methods are still the best option.

When it comes to helping to prevent the spread of disease, washing [PROPERLY] with good, old-fashioned soap & water is still our most effective weapon -- Seriously.
As the reality of our nation’s situation begins to sink in, it is important that we all realize we are in this together & we each need to do our part to slow the spread of the devastating pandemic we are facing. We need to act together, to suppress both panic & cavalier attitudes about what we are battling.
​Many people are feeling helpless in the face of COVID-19, but washing our hands properly & frequently with soap & water is public health practice each of us has control over that will significantly slow the rate of transmission-- but only if everyone does it consistently. Our hands are the most common way this virus is spread from person to person.Let's examine just how soap works..... 

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This image shows how soap can break through the lipid membrane of virus molecules, destroying them. Photo: nytimes.com20200313, Jonathan Corum and Ferris Jabr

 Just how does washing with soap help? 
​Soap works by rupturing & breaking ‘lipid-membrane type’ virus & bacteria molecules apart, & then surrounding the fragments & severing the chemical bonds that allow the undesirable materials [viruses, grime, bacteria] to stick to skin surfaces. Securely surrounded by the soap molecules, the trapped microorganisms & proteins are then safely rinsed away. Coronaviruses, like COVID-19, as well as herpes, H.I.V, & Ebola to name a few, are all in this ‘lipid-membrane’ family, making thorough hand-washing an incredibly effective means of preventing their spread.

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Proper technique is key.

Proper technique is key ensuring the virus molecules are destroyed, a quick rinse is not sufficient.
Effective hand washing involves the following steps:

• Wet hands completely--it doesn’t matter if the water is cold or warm as long as you USE SOAP.
• Apply enough soap to completely cover your wet hands & wrists, & work up a good lather.
• Scrub the backs & palms of the hands, interlace your fingers, twist the soap around each thumb, & rub your nails against your palms -- for a MINIMUM OF 20 SECONDS. This is key. Singing the children’s song “Row Your Boat” while washing is an excellent way to help ensure little ones [& yourself for that matter] are scrubbing long enough.
• Rinse thoroughly & completely with water. Then, dry your hands with a clean towel. [germs are spread more easily on wet skin]

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Inexpensive & effective…  In this age of advanced technology, it is truly remarkable that such a simple & ancient item as soap can help us the way it does.
In the face of this global pandemic, washing your hands frequently is one of the least expensive & most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 that we have in our arsenal. 
So, stay safe, stay home, don’t panic, but don’t take this too lightly either. Practice social distancing, ensure you have the proper provisions--and for goodness sake--
WASH YOUR HANDS!   Soap = Hope. We are all in this together.