So did you know it’s Clean Hands Week? (September 20-26) From all we’ve heard about how to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, good hand hygiene is key. Funny–my germophobe ways don’t seem so odd now. Hand sanitizer, anyone?

Seriously, though, Americans really do need to go back to school when it comes to washing their hands. Here’s what a recent Soap and Detergent Association survey found:

– 50% say they wash their hands more than 10 times per day (up from 36%).

– 70% wash up at least 7 times per day (up from 62%).

– Across the board, more Americans claim to always wash their hands before eating lunch, after coughing or sneezing and after using the bathroom.

However….

– While 62% of women are washing more than 10 times per day, only 37% of men are doing the same.

– 39% of respondents seldom or never wash their hands after coughing or sneezing (on par with 2008). (Hey, that’s a reason to retrain yourself to sneeze into the crook of your arm.)

– 46% of respondents wash their hands for 15 seconds or less (on par with 2008). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and SDA recommend washing with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. (I try to sing “Happy Birthday” twice when washing my hands.)

Sure, all this cold and flu frenzy will probably increase soap sales. But you know what? If it keeps more people healthy–and we therefore don’t lose pay by having to stay home sick–I’m all for reminding people about the importance of washing their hands.