Keywords. spread of viruses, public restrooms, infectious diseases, the correct method.

　　Vocabulary. organism, cholera, hepatitis, infection.

　　A. Before you listen to the material, discuss the following questions.

　　1. Do you often wash your hands? When?

　　2. Do you think hand washing is a serious issue? Why or Why not?

　　3. How do you wash your hands?

　　B. Now listen to the report, focus on the major points, supply the missing information.

　　Health experts say washing your hands reduces the spread of viruses and other organisms that cause disease.

　　This advice may sound simple.

　　However, experts say a lot of people do not follow it.

　　A recent study found that many Americans fail to wash their hands after using public toilets.

　　More than 95% of Americans questioned said they always wash their hands after using public restrooms.

　　However, the study found that only 67% of them actually do so.

　　The study also found that American men are less likely than women to wash their hands after using a public restroom.

　　The American society for microbiology announce the findings.

　　Judy Daly works for the group.

　　She admits that hand washing may seem an unusual subject to study.

　　But she says hand washing is a very serious issue.

　　Experts say hand washing is the simplest and most effective way to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

　　Infections can spread by touching surfaces that have harmful organisms on them.

　　Shaking hands with another person also can spread infection.

　　Harmful bacteria may enter your body if you touch your mouth, nose or eyes.

　　Among the most common infections spread by hand are colds, influenza and throat and ear infections.

　　In addition, millions of food poisoning cases each year are blamed on people who prepare food who do not wash their hands.

　　More serious diseases like cholera and hepatitis are spread this way, too.

　　Many patients in hospitals also get infections. Some die from them.

　　The spread of infections often is blamed on health workers who do not wash their hands after treating patients.

　　The American society of microbiology has launched a public information campaign to get more people to wash their hands.

　　Experts say following the correct method is important.

　　You should wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 15 seconds.