Hand Sanitizing Gel Weight Loss Diet Nutrition Tips Guide

Hand Sanitizing Gel Helping Reduce The Risk Of Infection

By Veronica Tripplethorn

Way back in ancient times when handshakes originated, they were used to show that the person being greeted was friendly and safe; after all it was unlikely that they would be reaching out with one hand and holding a weapon in the other. However, exactly how safe is a handshake?

Some may consider it to be more of a germ-shake and feel that the influenza outbreak of 1918 may not have happened if hand sanitizing gel had been around then.

Those employed in the healing professions know all too well that this seemingly innocuous gesture allows for the transfer of germs, and cold and flu viruses. They are continuously aware that clean hands are an absolute necessity, especially in the health related field, making handwashing a priority.

Transferring Germs By Handshaking

Human hands are by far the dirtiest part of the body and handshaking just transfers that dirt and any other infectious germs from one person to another or from one person to different surfaces.

When soap and water is not available you should review your options and consider using a hand sanitizing gel or something similar in order to help prevent the spread of germs. You may even want to consider using an antibacterial, sanitizer gel in addition to your regular hand washing, as an extra level of protection.

Reducing Risk By Washing Your Hands

Admittedly, most of the flu-like pathogens are transmitted by air, that is, through sneezes and unprotected coughing. However, the most common social gesture we have is the handshake, so what do you do? As stated, washing hands is a highly effective antidote; if done well and often it can reduce the risk of transmitting germs by over 50%. When washing the hands, the practice should take as long as it takes you to sing "Happy Birthday."

According to a study done by Harvard Medical School, families using an alcohol hand sanitizer gel actually showed a 59% reduction of gastrointestinal diseases when compared to the families that did not use any type of hand sanitizing gel.

Quicker And Easier And Reduced Skin Irritation

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using alcohol based hand sanitizers by healthcare workers, stating that when compared to soap and water, the alcohol based sanitizer is quicker and easier to use and results in less irritation of the skin.

They also state that using hand sanitizers effectively reduces germs on all areas of the skin. Of course the absolute best way to avoid those germs from being transmitted unnecessarily is to quit shaking hands; however, since that has been around for eons the next best thing is to keep your hands clean with soap and water, as well as using some type of hand sanitizer.

This Article was about Hand Sanitizing Gel.

About the Author:
Veronica Tripplethorn is an author of health, nutrition, dieting and weight loss articles including Massage Therapy, Massages, Aromatherapy Massage, Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles coming soon.

More Facts About Hand Sanitizers

What are hand sanitizers?
A hand sanitizer can be many things. It may be the soap that you use to wash your hands with or, as it is more commonly known, as a gel, lotion or rub that you use without soap and water. A hand sanitizer can be found either containing alcohol or be alcohol-free.

But you should know that studies have consistently shown that alcohol-free hand sanitizers are not nearly as effective as those that do contain alcohol. One of the main problems with alcohol sanitizers is that it dries out the skin.

So many companies are now combining softening agents in combination with the sanitizer so that people do not have the drying effect. Over the years various germ killing agents have come and gone as studies have shown them either ineffective or dangerous to humans and the environment.