Watch: Rochester doctor teaches Jimmy Kimmel how to wash his hands
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on April 1, 2016. It is being re-shared amid concerns over the coronavirus. Medical experts say properly washing your hands with soap and water is among the most effective precautions you can take to prevent the spread of viruses, such as COVID-19.
Nope, this is not an April Fools' joke.
Dr. Gregory Poland, a specialist in infection disease at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, recently traveled to Los Angeles to teach Jimmy Kimmel how to wash his hands.
The six-minute clip was featured on Thursday night's show.
"You came all the way from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota," Kimmel said to introduce the segment (Poland, to his credit, made sure to plug Rochester). "Ridiculous — to show us how to wash our hands."
So why make the trip to LA to teach late-night TV viewers how to complete a seemingly simple task? "Because almost nobody knows how," Poland said.
Poland, who was a natural in front of the camera, offered these tips:
Lather your hands for 20-30 seconds before rinsing.
Make sure to get in between your fingers, as well as the top of your hands — and don't forget about your thumbs!
Dry your hands before turning off the water, and then use the towel to turn off the faucet and open the door. "Wet hands increase the risk that we're gonna transmit bacteria."
Watch the video below for a full tutorial (and some off-color jokes):
