Lets shake on it: The importance of washing your hands

Donald Trump would not like to shake your hand because of it.  Howie Mandel may give you a fist bump.  Michael Jackson wore a mask because of it.  In addition to their celebrity status, Joan Crawford and Howard Hughes were known for it.   Ranging from an inconvenience to a debilitating phobia, the fear of germs affects many people.  Bacteria and viruses are everywhere and life as we know it would not be possible without them.  Whether at home or at work, there are some simple things you can do to protect yourself.  Are you concerned about what's lurking on your hands - or someone else's?

Bugs – bacteria and viruses
Bacteria adapt well to many conditions, are found in the bodies of all living organisms and on all parts of the earth. Some need oxygen to live, some don’t. Most live off other organisms but harmless and beneficial ones outnumber harmful varieties by far. Some of the beneficial ones live in our digestive system, while some others enrich soil, are used for pickling, fermentation, and curing. Some others cause diseases like tuberculosis, cholera, typhoid, tetanus, and lately, some have developed a resistance to antibiotics.

Much like bacteria, viruses are found almost everywhere on earth and are the most abundant type of biological life. Additionally, they can lay in waiting for a long time only to become active once inside a host. Some virus-borne diseases known to affect humans are measles, mumps, the flu and the common cold.
 
Your offense
Without realizing it, you can bring bacteria and viruses to your nose, mouth and eyes many times each day just by rubbing or touching them. ATM machines, telephones, doorknobs, keyboards, and many other surfaces are drop-off points for a host of germs. Regularly washing your hands, wiping down surfaces at work, and using a cleansing gel or hand wipe (not a substitute for washing – but they do well in a pinch) helps to reduce the chances of transfer.

At home washing hands before and after preparing food will also cut down on food-borne illnesses. Salad greens, vegetables and fruits should be washed before use; counter tops, sink and faucets should be cleaned or wiped down as well.

Your defense
Ensure that you support your beneficial bacteria. Eating or drinking yogurt with active cultures, supplements, and keeping stress levels down can go a long way toward this goal. Also support your immune system by eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, getting enough rest, exercise, keeping a positive attitude and engaging in social activities with positive happy people. It is widely accepted that an upbeat attitude combined with a good lifestyle helps to boost your immunity

Stonyfield Farm yogurt is on sale at Whole Foods Market this week.

For more info: Another Way