Welcome  to  Public  Health  moment from  the  University  of  Minnesota. This  week  is  National  Hand  Washing  Awareness  Week. Keeping  our  hands  clean  is one  of  the  most  important  steps  we can  take  to  avoid  getting sick  and  spreading  germs  to  others. That's  according  to  Jill  Deboer, Associate  Director  of  the  University  of  Minnesota, Center  for  Infectious  Disease  Research  and  Policy. According  to  the  CDC, some  viruses  and  bacteria  can  live  from 20  min  or  up  to  2  H  on  surfaces  such  as  cafeteria  tables, door  knobs,  or  our  desks  in  the  workplace. As  a  result,  Deboer  says  it's  important to  wash  our  hands  often  and  thoroughly. It's  important  not  only  that  we increase  the  times  that  we  wash  our  hands, but  also  that  we  wash  them  in  the  appropriate  manner. It's  important  to  wet  your  hands  first with  clean  running  water  and  then  apply  the  soap. Rub  hands  together  to  make  a  lather, a  nice  good  lather,  and  scrub  all  the  surfaces, including  between  your  fingers. And  then  the  most  important  part  that most  adults  forget  is  to  wash your  hands  for  at  least  20 s.  Singing  the  Happy  Birthday  song  twice, or  your  alphabet  slowly  is  one  way  we teach  children  to  wash  their  hands  a  long  enough  time, rinse  your  hands  under  running  water, and  then  dry  your  hands  using a  paper  towel  or  an  air  dryer  in  a  public  rest  room. If  possible,  try  not  to  touch the  faucet  or  the  door  handle  on  the  way  out. Use  a  paper  towel  to  protect your  hands  with  another  public  health  moment. I'm  John  Finnegan.