(NC)?Practicing dedicated hand hygiene makes good sense when it comes to fighting the spread of germs. Many of the common, and not so common viruses are transmitted from the hand to the ears, eyes and nose, and that is why surgical masks and disposable plastic gloves are items most commonly used as protection from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Hand washing is essential and it is even better if our hands are sanitized regularly. Killing germs during hand washing is effective only if you scrub thoroughly with soap and water for at least 30 to 60 seconds and if you pay close attention to cleansing the thumbs, fingertips, and fingernails.

For those of us in the workplace, in hospitals, schools, or attending to every day demands, this advice makes hand washing necessary several times each day. Indeed, it can't always be done and that is why additional and effective measures to fight germs are also in place. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an effective answer when soap and water are not available, due to their fast, germ killing ability. The good news is: this type of hand sanitizer can be used anywhere, anytime and no water or rinsing is required.

"Keeping a small 60 mL container of gel in your pocket or purse is peace-of-mind for people who can't curtail their daily encounters with the public," says Batia Bibas, product manager for One Step Hand Sanitizer. "Our product is tested to kill 99.9 percent of most common disease-causing germs within seconds. It is formulated with aloe to help prevent dryness and leaves no sticky residue."

According to the CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines 2002, for best results use alcohol based hand sanitizer as follows;

"If you travel, pack the 60 mL travel size," Bibas recommends "if you work in a health care facility, in restaurants, retail shops, salons, or any other service industry, bring in the 1L dispenser for you and other staff. At home, or on your desk at the office, use the stylish 236 mL pump dispenser of One Step Hand Sanitizer. Additional information is available online at www.onestepsani.com, or ask for the product where you buy your health grooming supplies."

- News Canada

Editors: These articles are for use in Ontario only

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