Episode 8 - Wash Your Hands!

From Rio Bravo qWeek · 00:19:39

Show by Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program

Wash Your Hands!The sun rises over the San Joaquin Valley, California, today is April 20, 2020.During this time of reflection, we bring a difficult question for you: Who are we as humans? The estimated ratio of human cell to microbe is at least 1:1, some people estimate it is 1:10, that is one human cell per one to ten microbes in our bodies(1). Based on that, we are at least half bacteria. Also, water is the main component in the human body(2), between 80% at birth to 60% in an average adult. Based, on that, well, we are basically “dirty water,” but is that really the answer of who we are? Most certainly we are more than bacteria and water.The understanding of who we are may go beyond the physical aspect of our bodies, and we may find more answers from different sources. We invite you to reflect on who you are. This is our food for thought to start our podcast today. “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” – Elbert HubbardA poet said, “Let the dogs bark, it is a sign that we are moving forward”, and I just learned that maybe this is not a quote from Don Quixote (sorry to disappoint you who like Don Quixote). But seriously, it is always difficult to receive feedback, however, it is a good way to improve ourselves. Today we have a star resident. She is loved for her spice and her compassion. Welcome Tamara Hilvers, known by her friends as Tammy. This podcast is an experiment, we will continue to improve over time. We ask five basic questions, but I may surprise you with another question to make it more spontaneous. Don’t worry it will be easy. Question number 1: Who are you? I always hate these types of questions where I have to talk about myself. So, who am I? Well, I was born and raised right here in Bakersfield, CA, I grew up on a dairy farm and I am 1 of 4 girls! A few interesting facts about me: I know and hold a degree in American Sign Language; I took Calculus and Physics courses in undergrad for the fun of it, and I am actually very shy! My greatest achievement in life thus far is being a single mother and raising a sweet and beautiful, both inside and out, 12-year-old daughter. As if single motherhood wasn’t challenging enough, I made, what some may call a crazy, the decision to pack the two of us up, 2 months after she was diagnosed with epilepsy, to attend medical school on a small Caribbean Island. I am currently nearing the end of my first year of Residency with the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Program. I remember when I first started, everyone said that my first year would fly by… Yeah, they lied. But, I am looking forward to continuing this journey and can’t wait to see what the next year brings!Comment: We have enjoyed working with you. You are a smart woman with a big heart.Question number 2: What did you learn this week?This week, I looked into America’s #1 topic today, hand hygiene. Washing your hands is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick and to stop the spread of ‘germs’. I looked into the ‘when’, ‘how’ and the ‘with what’ of hand hygiene. So, the ‘when’. When should we wash our hands? Always! Always wash your hands! It’s that simple. Many of us all know that we should wash our hands after things such as: preparing food, treating a wound, caring for someone who is sick, after using the restroom, touching animals or even touching garbage. However, during this pandemic we are experiencing, the CDC is also reminding people to wash their hands after being in public, after touching public surfaces that are frequently touched by others, such as door handles, shopping carts and gas pumps, and always before touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Now the ‘how’. What is the proper way to wash your hands? Well, if washing your hands with soap and water, there are 5 easy steps to follow: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. First you need to wet your hands with clean, running water before applying the soap. Then, you should lather the soap by rubbing your hands together making sure to get the back of the hands, between fingers and under the nails. You should continue to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. On the CDC website, they suggested humming the ‘Happy Birthday’ song two times through. I say, just count to 20. Either way, whatever your preference, continue for 20 seconds, then rinse off hands under clean running water. Hands should then be dried using a clean towel or air dried. Now, if you are using an alcohol based disinfectant, you should apply the product to the palm of one hand and then rub both hands together, covering all surfaces, until hands are dry. This process should take 15-20 seconds.Comment: Water temperature is irrelevant, we know warm water feels nicer, but it is not required(3). Make sure you scrub all surfaces like Dr Hilvers said, we usually miss the back of our hands and lower aspect of our palms. Ok, what should we use to wash our hands?Last, the ‘with what’. What’s better, soap and water or alcohol based disinfectant?…

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