I was once advised that “A true Southern gentleman always washes his hands before he touches his private parts”.
I recall seeing a doctor on ABC 20/20 or some such news program make that same claim - that to better protect one’s own health one should wash one’s hands before using the toilet.
And to better protect the health of others, you should wash your hands afterwards, too.
Finally, if you want to minimize your exposure to germs, stay out of the kitchen. That’s the number one culprit in most homes. (cite)
G’day
I read an item about hand-washing in the New Scientist earlier this year. Apparently some experimentalist persuaded the CO of a US Army battalion in barracks to issue orders that the troops should wash their hands at least five times per day. The CO also relaxed the inspection standards and frequency for washrooms so that there was a chance that this order might be complied with. The incidence of respiratory complaints (ie. colds and flu) dropped by 70%. The total sick call dropped by over 50%.
Perhaps everyone ought to wash their hands pretty frequently. While you are in the washroom for a piss is a convenient time.
Note that in this case the issue is not coliform bacteria from the Naughty Bits getting onto the hands. It is mostly rhinoviruses from the eyes, nose, and mouth getting onto the hands, then onto doorhandles, keyboards etc., then onto other hands (or onto the hands in handshakes), then into other eyes, noses, and mouths. Coliform bacteria are basically commensalists that only occasionally and incidentally cause illness. Rhinoviruses are purpose-built professional pathogens.
The best time to wash your hands would be before touching your face or food. But after touching your wedding tackle is more convenient, given where the handbasin is usually installed.
Regards,
Agback