I could KISS the inventor of hand sanitizer. A good water-less solution to almost any sticky situation, hand sanitizer is a great pit stop on the way to soap and water hand washing. Because let's be clear about one thing- the #1 King of all Hand Washing techniques for visible dirt has been and always will be 2 minutes spent with good ole soap and water. Those infectious diseases people agree. Now when you can't so much SEE the grime but feel it, that's the time to reach for the alcohol based gel sanitizer. We are looking for Ethyl here, not Fred, Lucy, Ricky or Isopropyl- Ethyl alcohol based disinfecting goop has the edge.

http://infectiousdiseases.abou t.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?z i=1/XJ&sdn=infectiousdiseases& cdn=health&tm=95&gps=383_987_1 020_619&f=20&su=p247.3.140.ip_ p726.2.152.ip_p284.8.150.ip_&t t=7&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www .who.int/csr/resources/publica tions/surveillance/Annex5.pdf

What I love abut hand sanitizer is the convenience. I may not always be near plumbing when I need to clean up. And with hand sanitizers it's a simple rubbing, rubbing, rubbing until it melts away. Easy 1-2-3 and I'm good to go until I can get to my soap and water. Sure, I still need the kind of clean that only a good soap and water scrubbing can give. I don't use hand sanitizer to replace time at the sink- I use it for already "clean" hands that just need a little boost. Like powdering your nose, your nose doesn't really benefit from it, but it helps make YOU feel better until you can actually get into better lighting and reapply a fresh face.

Now you can buy sanitizing wipes, sanitizer in a tiny bottle, sanitizer that hangs off your backpack- it's everywhere. Even my computer mouse at work is antimicrobial. No one wants germs, and everyone is jumping on the cleanliness wagon. I love the sanitizing wipes at the entrance to the grocery stores. I wipe that cart handle and feel 1/10th percent virtuous. The aisles are full of germs, and choices too.
Listen- nor virus, e.coli, salmonella, nasty, oozy parasites are waiting to leech into our bodies and cause havoc- they may not be stopped by a thin layer of hand sanitizer gel. What this product will do is remove the layer of oil on your hands that traps bacteria and solid gunk that causes bacteria. It helps also in stopping the bacteria already IN you from coming out of your skin and passing from your hand to whatever else you touch. So these products do have their place in a good hygiene regimen.

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ a2z-h.html#handwashing

We can all do our part to ensure we take the time to properly wash up several times a day and always after using the restroom. It's easy- water, soap, rub for about 2 minutes-covering all the skin on your hands, fingers, backs of your hands, wrists, and dry with paper towels. Then use another paper towel to open the door. Then use your hand sanitizer after you throw that away.

Hand sanitizer comes in wonderful scents, some with micro-beads, anti-aging, even fashion colors. But just like anything else, it's only an effective tool if it's actually used.

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