The Importance of Handwashing

Any teacher can testify that germs like to go ‘round and ‘round, hopping from child to child until the entire class gets sick, maybe even the teacher herself. Thank goodness we have an immune system that keeps us in the fight against pathogens (the harmful, disease-causing bacteria, fungi, or viruses) that persist in our environment. But why wait for the immune system to react to invaders when we can be proactive and keep them from entering in the first place?

It’s a well-known fact that washing your hands with soap and water is essential to preventing common illnesses. The washing action separates contaminants from your hands, and the drying action, via towel or paper towel, removes them from your hands and helps to flush out the suspended contaminants by removing excess water.

Good hand-washing technique is key. Experts teach us that the correct way to wash hands is by rubbing hands together for at least 20 seconds, and using a generous amount of soap. It is also important to get between the fingers, and to not forget your wrists. Short, neatly trimmed nails are best, as dirty, long fingernails can harbor disease. Note that you don’t need to use an antibacterial soap to do the job. A comprehensive analysis from the University of Oregon School of Public Health indicated that plain soaps are as effective as consumer-grade anti-bacterial soaps containing triclosan in preventing illness and removing bacteria from the hands. Some studies also suggest that persistent use of consumer antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers may lead to resistance to antibiotics in some bacteria.

 

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Instill the habit of handwashing early in your children – and make sure they know not only how to wash, but also when to wash. For example:

• Before and after preparation and/or consumption of food

• Using the toilet

• Touching a sick or injured person

• Touching toys that are being shared with other children

• Coughing or sneezing into your hands

• Blowing your nose

• Touching soiled shoes or other items that could be contaminated

• Handling garbage

However, when soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers may be the next best thing. The US CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends hand sanitizers as an acceptable alternative to soap and water, but only when hands are not visibly dirty. They recommend using an alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) sanitizer, or one with a “persistent antiseptic” such as benzalkonium chloride and triclosan.

However, some concerns have been raised over the toxicity of these agents, since benzalkonium chloride and triclosan were both rated as level 7 high hazard in the Cosmetics Safety Database (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com). 

Hand sanitizers work by stripping away the outer layer of oil on the skin. There is some debate as to whether this is a good thing, because hand sanitizers kill both “bad” (pathogens) and “good” bacteria on the skin. The “good” bacteria serve as part of the normal protective barrier against pathogens. Some say that this decreases the immune function on the skin, while others assert that the destruction of the “good” bacteria has a negligible effect. There is also some debate as to whether hand sanitizers are better than soap and water for eliminating certain pathogens, such as the influenza virus or rhinovirus (responsible for the common cold). Nonetheless, employing one or both of these methods can effectively help minimize our chances of getting sick from exposure to pathogens. 

 

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When using hand sanitizers, apply an amount enough to wet your hands completely. Rub your hands until they’re dry- this maximizes effectiveness of the sanitizer. The alcohol is highly flammable, so keep bottles away from small children. Also, supervise kids while they use the products, as ingestion can cause alcohol poisoning in small children.

Below are 5 recommended products to help you and your children stay clean without that boring, overly-sterile feel of a hospital: (Note: If your child gets sick frequently despite good hygiene and proper diet, he or she may have a suppressed immune function. Consult the pediatrician to discuss ways to maximize your child’s immunity.)

Kids All Natural Spray Sanitizer, by Human Nature (50mL, Php 67.75) – Available in Candy Cane or Bubble-Gum variations, this kid-friendly hand sanitizer is made from sugar-cane derived alcohol, water, aloe vera leaf juice, and natural fragrance. Spray on hands or icky surfaces. The product contains no parabens, pthalates, triclosan, PEGs or other toxic substances, is earth-friendly and is made in the Philippines. Order through their website at www.humanheartnature.com.

Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer, by Embodyment Organic Essentials (90mL, Php 90) - This alcohol-based hand sanitizer uses ingredients native to the Philippines: virgin coconut oil and plant-derived silica to moisturize your skin. 70% plant-derived alcohol and 20% tea tree extract are combined to kill diseases-causing microbes. It is available in Sweet Pea or Green Tea varieties. Order through their website, www.embodymentorganicessentials.info.

The Little Warrior, by Messy Bessy (50mL, Php 70) – Though the company is best-known for household cleaners, they’ve created this great-smelling, alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing green tea essential oil. The item is produced locally, making it all the more friendly to the environment. The company even gives discounts for returning used bottles! Order through their website, www.messybessy.com.

Handy Tidy Sanitizer Spray, by Plantex (50mL, Php 104.75) – Deionized water, nature-derived essential oils, and a unique combination of herbs, fruits and vegetables come together in this powerful disinfectant and odor-eliminator. This product also claims to help protect against AH1N1 virus. Available at most Rustan’s Supermarkets.

Surface and Air Disinfecting Mist, by Embodyment Organic Essentials (30mL, Php 60) - Great to apply on surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and toilet seats. Spray in your living room, office or car to help disinfect the air. Free of toxic chemicals, this all-natural formula is a great alternative to aerosol counterparts. Order through their website, www.embodymentorganicessentials.info.

Photo by Arlington County via flickr creative commons