On 60 Minutes this week, Hillary Clinton stated:  My two secrets to staying healthy: wash your hands all the time. And, if you can’t, use Purell or one of the sanitizers."

Great statement, but should handwashing be a health "secret?"

Wouldn’t it be so beneficial to all Americans if our presidential hopefuls spent time concentrating on spreading a campaign message that would really matter – the importance of regular handwashing? After all, isn’t handwashing universal healthcare at its most fundamental level?   

And wouldn’t it be wonderful if every political debate included statements on how a national handwashing campaign is needed for the protection of all Americans? And if funding of handwashing campaigns was a prime component in every politician’s platform?

Hillary’s handwashing admission is a start, but it’s doubtful anyone will change their hand hygiene behaviors based on one statement by one politician.  In the interim, we all need to keep on spreading our handwashing platform, until the message causes real change around us.   

I’m glad America received a 5-second sound bite on handwashing. However, it is consistent handwashing actions and handwashing messages that speak volumes.  When it comes to public health, I’ll always vote for soap.
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Michéle Samarya-Timm is a Health Educator for the Franklin Township Health Department in New Jersey.