Have you seen the movie “As Good As It Gets?” Remember Jack Nicholson’s character? He was obsessive compulsive and he had a cabinet full of bars of soap, which he used to wash his hands all the time. I have a similar thing – I can’t wash my hands enough, but not to that extent. How much importance do you place in washing your hands?
According to studies, the regular washing of hands can actually help stop the spread of common illnesses such as colds. Just imagine what your hands touch all throughout the day and I am sure you would want to keep on washing them!
What is the best way to wash those germs away? Some prefer the good old soap and water while others prefer to use liquid soaps. Others only use antibacterial soaps. There are those who prefer hand sanitizers for their convenience. Some people prefer alcohol. Which is the best?
According to a study made by the Michigan School of Public Health, the best way is the old fashioned way – warm water and soap. The researchers suggest washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds – making sure that you get under your fingernails as well. Of course, there are times when you cannot get to a sink and some soap. This is when the alcohol based sanitizers work best. You also have the option of using non-alcohol based sanitizers.
The main idea is to stay away from fancy soaps which are labeled “anti-bacterial.” Why? Simply because they might actually get in the way of antibiotics, if you are taking them. more so, if the simple soap and water combination does the trick, there is no need to spend more on something fancy.
The bottom line? Wash your hands when you can.
Originally posted on January 10, 2008 @ 12:57 pm