In 2005, the American Society for Microbiology (USA) reported that while 91% of American adults say they always wash their hands after using public restrooms, in actuality only 83% actually did so.  Women were more likely to wash their hands (90%) as compared to men (75%).  The same survey also revealed these other lackluster handwashing habits:

• Only 21% of men and women say they always wash their hands after handling money

• Only 24% of men and 39% of women say they always wash their hands after coughing or sneezing

The technique for proper handwashing per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention involves these steps:
1.  Wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap.  Place the bar soap on a rack that allows it to drain.
2.  Scrub all surfaces -- including wrists, palms, backs of hands, fingers, under the fingernails, and between fingers. Rub your hands vigorously together for 10-15 seconds.
3.  Rinse well with warm water.
4.  Dry hands with a clean or disposable towel.  Pat the skin rather than rubbing, to avoid chapping or cracking. 

"Washing your hands ... costs less than a penny" and is a way of "prevention that can save you a $50 visit to the doctor."  ~ U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases