“New research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that household antibacterial soaps and other products offer no protection whatsoever against infections.”  Mike Adams

Are you aware of what you’re using to wash your hands?

They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar; (Ex 40:32a; NIV)

Last Thursday I wrote about the importance of washing our hands.  Have you made any changes since reading that Daily Gram?  Are you becoming more aware of what is being carried around on other people’s hands as well as on your own?  Even though I’m a regular hand washer, writing that article has me more conscious of what I’m touching (and who just touched it) when shopping! 

For years my fingernails were soft, would break easily and wouldn’t grow.  I now realize that was just another indication of a lack of health.  Since regaining my health, my nails are strong and grow rapidly.  They’re a pretty white color and well shaped.  On several occasions I’ve let them grow to a popular length.  Now, I know I won’t win any points with lots of my female friends, but long fingernails are receptacles for collecting and storing “germs” and bacteria. “Critters” love to live under there in that nice, warm, protected environment.   I now keep my nails short.  (I actually have to use toenail clippers to cut them since my nails are so strong.)

Another aspect of hand washing is what to use to wash our hands.  In recent years, antibacterial soaps have been marketed as the answer to preventing infections and diseases.  You’ll see from the links I offer today that not only has that been marketing hype, but the agent used to “fight bacteria” is actually harmful to us.  The most active ingredient used in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth. But not only does triclosan kill bacteria, it also kills human cells.

Antibacterial ingredients have become so prevalent in the United States that there are now antibacterial soaps, laundry detergents, shampoos, toothpastes, body washes, dish soaps, and many household cleaning products.  However, research and studies now reveal that household antibacterial soaps and other products offer no protection whatsoever against infections.

There are soaps and detergents available that are safe to use.  Avalon is a company that manufacturers products without common, harmful chemicals.  I use their liquid lavender soap for general hand washing.  Dr. Bronner’s is another common brand without harmful chemicals.  There are others but these are two that I use and that are readily available.

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for Your protection for us.  Thank You for giving us wisdom to live a healthy and balanced life.

Links of the Day
The Truth About Antibacterial Soaps–And Why You Should Avoid Them
Research shows antibacterial soaps to be useless; ingredients may be toxic

Blessings on you as you continue to take care of the only body you will ever have.
 

“Germs don’t fly; they hitchhike.”  Dr. Kenneth Seaton

How often are you washing your hands?

they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. (Ex. 30:21a; NIV)

Now today’s topic may seem a bit personal to some folks.  However, it really is a concern for all of us, and this simple act that will go a long way in preventing us from becoming ill with communicable diseases.  After using the bathroom, do you wash your hands?  (Don’t tell me if you don’t!) Hopefully you’ll change your mind after reading this. 

As a nurse, hand washing was highly emphasized and the habit has stayed with me.  However, there is a great deal more to this subject than I was taught in nursing school.  Dr. Jordan Rubin travels extensively.  He is shocked and says that it is absolutely brutal how many millions of people fail to wash their hands after using the bathroom.  He states, “They blithely leave the restroom and spread their germs on an unsuspecting public.”  Nice thought, huh? He actually quotes studies done to reveal fairly high percentages of people who use public restrooms and never walk up to the sink after using the toilet.

Dr. Rubin states, “The hands are one of the five main areas where germs enter the body-the other four being the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.  Germs prefer to hitchhike (on the hands and under the fingernails) rather than fly through the air.  Once germs are established on your hands and fingertips, it is only a matter of time before you rub your eyes, scratch your nose, stroke your ears, or touch your mouth-letting the germs in those portals of entry.”

Watch your spouse sometime and see how often they touch their face.  Another place we pick-up “critters” are from shopping carts.   A report in the Tallahassee Democrat stated that shopping carts carry 1.4 million bacteria per square inch, which is 1000 times more than on a toilet seat!

A few of the most critical times to wash your hands are:
–After going to the bathroom
–Before and after food preparation
–Before eating
–After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
–After changing a diaper
–After shaking hands with a large number of people
–After shopping

I’ll go over various types of soaps and cleaners in another Daily Gram.  But remember that a few seconds spent washing your hands could save you hours or even days of discomfort, or even a trip to the doctor’s office.

Prayer Power
Father thank You for Your word that teaches us about hygiene and how to care for our bodies.  May we honor You in all we say and do.

Link of the Day
Keeping the Flu Out of Your Home is in Your Hands

Blessings on you as you begin to recognize the importance of hand washing