Cold and flu season is in full swing, and if you feel like you’re encircled by an army of hostile viruses, it’s because you are.What’s the single most important thing you can do to prevent colds and flu? Wash your hands well and often. Scrub your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 15 seconds. But never, ever use the hand dryers found in restrooms. Several studies have shown that using a hand dryer instead of paper towel actually increases the number of germs on your hands. The studies counted bacteria rather than viruses and fungus, but germs all hang together. Some studies have shown a four-fold increase in germs on people’s hands after using a hand dryer. Shocking! One 2009 study found that people who used a hand dryer had 2-3 times more bacteria on their hands than before washing them. Not only that, many of the bacteria were pathogenic – the kind of bacteria that can cause disease. Here’s the problem with hand dryers: Vents and bottoms of dryers in public bathrooms get contaminated with regular use. The dryers are kept in a warm, moist place – the kind of environment that bacteria, fungus and viruses need to thrive. The dryers never get hot enough to kill the germs, just warm enough to help them multiply and thrive. Studies have also found that warm air from dryers helps disperse the pathogens around the room. Based on the science, it’s better to leave the restroom with wet hands than use the hand dryer. Carry your own paper towels or just shake your hands off. And don’t touch the door handle on the way out, as it’s touched by people who didn’t bother to wash their hands after changing a tampon or using the bathroom. Here are some other tips:
Power up your immune system with natural remedies. Want to know more? Get your own copy of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Drug Muggers: How To Keep Your Medicine From Stealing the Life Out of You! Plus, meet Dr. Suzy Cohen. The information contained on www.lifescript.com (the "Site") is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition. Information and statements provided by the site about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lifescript does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, third-party products, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by Lifescript is solely at your own risk.
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