Dirty statistics

Using the public restroom is probably one of the most traumatizing experiences if you really think about it. How many people have used this bathroom? How many people actually wash their hands after taking care of business?

According to WiseGeek.com, one out of three Americans do not wash their hands after using the bathroom. Does no one watch the Lysol commercials anymore? There are germs everywhere! Bathrooms are especially germ-filled. During the ASM's Clean Hands Campaign, it was concluded that 95 percent of men and women said they washed their hands after the public restroom but in reality only 67 percent really did. Not to be crude, but you know what people are doing in there, so why is it so difficult to wash your hands?

People argue and say that they do not have time to or that they forgot. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 20 seconds of your time can be sparred to take care of your health. I do not buy that "I forgot to" garbage. One afternoon, while I was washing my hands in the Bate bathroom, I witnessed something disturbing. A girl came out from the stall, checked herself out in the mirror, fixed her hair and walked away. So you don't have time to wash your hands, but you can play with your hair? Gross.

In a recent, unintentional observation conducted on campus while I was waiting on my friend to change and use the bathroom, I found out some troubling statistics. For the 5-6 minutes I was waiting, I discovered that out of the 10 girls that came out of the stalls, only four washed their hands. Disgusting.

I'm not asking you to become paranoid or pull a Monk and become OCD about hand washing, but at least wash your hands when you come from the bathroom. There is no siren that goes off when you leave the bathroom or a security guard who will pounce on you if you walk out unwashed. In reality, no one will know unless they witnessed it.

If you are not a philanthropist, at least protect yourself. If the sinks that are available are too disgusting, use hand sanitizer. However, beware of getting too Purrell happy unless you want hands that sound like crunching Doritos. Even though they have enticing fragrances like cucumber melon or wild berry, your hands will dry out if used in excess. According to the FDA, hand sanitizers should not replace soap and water; it should be a "supplement not a substitute."

If a CSI blue light was used in a public restroom, how much nastiness would be seen? According to WebMD, 10-20 percent of Americans have the flu each year. How many of those people did not practice proper hand washing?

Hand washing is a part of common hygiene. It is not like wearing deodorant where everyone notices you failed, but it is still very important. At least do it for yourself, especially with this whole swine flu going around! Don't be a part of the repulsive statistic.

This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.