Update from a personal contact... Wash your hands!

Recently a woman I know from work acquired a super bug infection.  She ended up spending several days in the hospital.  Fortunately, she survived.

The infection served as a reminder to me to again address hand-washing and other tactics to help us (people) win the war against unhealthy germs.  Remember that healthy germs in balance have to help us do that.  In fact, it was likely this woman's home use of soaps and detergents containing antibiotics that lead to her illness.  We can't wipe out all germs.  We need some.

If you are integrating engineering, life sciences, health, and , math, you will likely enjoy the Tippy Tap activity which requires skills development in all the STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and, math) areas.  Here's a quote from the Tippy Tap activity:

According to the World Health Organization, about 38 percent of the world lacks access to improved sanitation,  which makes it unlikely that people wash their hands after bathroom use or before meals. Research has shown that washing hands with soap has been shown to reduce the risk of diarrheal disease by almost half. Thus, many people in underdeveloped countries suffer from diseases that could be prevented if they had a way to wash their hands regularly.

I would add that,  also many people in highly developed countries suffer from diseases that could be prevented if they washed their hands regularly.  (Remember the alcohol, foam cleansers do not get rid of all the super germs.  Use soap and water.  Use bleach.)  Here's to you health!

An anecdotal update:  The more than 20 people that I have seen that age between 98 and 106 living healthy, active lives (cooking, walking, doing some kind of work like woodwork, beekeeping, knitting, crocheting, not on medications, for the most part, other than vitamins), all wash their hands well and often.  It could be coincidence and yet...it is enough to convince me that good hand-washing is worth it longevity-wise.  Perhaps a study on quality of life and hand-washing is warranted.  Dr. J 

Related Links:

C-diff epidemic in USA and Europe hits home. C-diff epidemic in USA and Europe hits home.

.More Americans washing their Hands

6/17/12  7:56 AM