I am thinking seriously about buying enough anti-bacterial soap to wash down the entire inside and outside of my house. I could then start a business that would roam the country disinfecting every home in America. I might end up a multi-millionaire and a hero in the eyes of all those who fear becoming infected by anything or anyone.
In the last twenty years or so, we have become almost fanatical about dirt, or any surfaces that might have become contaminated by human touch. We’ve been alerted to the possibility of an epidemic of bird virus, swine flu and hantivirus and more. The latest is the Ebola virus which has taken over the air waves.
Am I being cavalier about what could become deadly plagues? Yes and no! Part of me is grateful that there are scientists that can alert us to engaging in precautions, but I also find that some people have become obsessed with cleanliness to the point of the ridiculous. I have been witness to individuals who act as if their preparing to do surgery. They whip out their Purell and diligently scrub everything in sight. The ultimate irony is that Purell is mostly alcohol . Research has shown that washing your hands with soap and water is far superior. But I do understand that there are certain circumstances where soap and water are not available.
There are hundreds of products on the market containing substances which could actually be more problematic then the disease it is purported to prevent. An ingredient called tricolsan has been shown to be an endocrine disrupter and to lower immune function. Our ability to fight off infections is also being lowered by the overuse of antibiotics. The direct result is that our bodies are not able to cope with germs that are continually being scrubbed off by over zealous fanatics.
When did we become so worried about germs and dirt? I was told to take a bath every couple of days, and that I had to wash my hands before I ate. I grew up watching people hug each other and we all shook hands with strangers. I caught my grandmother picking up some food that fell on the floor and wiping it on her apron. Then she popped it into her mouth. She lived to be ninety four. I played with dirt, walked barefoot in the yard, and often fell off my bike ending up with scrapes and bruises that were often left unattended to until I got home. Maybe I was just lucky.
Well, if you haven’t heard the latest, handshaking is the new demon of possible contamination. It is supposed to be best to simply fist bump, bow or wave. If you’re really worried, it might be a good idea to just make a sign that says “don’t touch” and wear it every where you go!
Life is Not A Stress Rehearsal
MRSA wasn’t around in your Mother’s or Grandmother’s day. It’s thought to have begun in hospitals where you’d think hand washing would be a no brainer.
http://bacteria.emedtv.com/mrsa/mrsa-transmission.html
it’s Worse than VD:
Can a Person Be a MRSA Carrier and Not Have Any Symptoms?
One of the characteristics of MRSA that makes it easier to spread is that not everyone who is infected with MRSA will have signs or symptoms of the illness. In this case, a person is said to be “colonized” with MRSA.
It is estimated that up to 7 percent of people in hospitals and up to 2 percent of people in the community are colonized with MRSA, either on the skin or within their nose (the two most common areas).
A person can become a MRSA carrier in a couple of different ways. Some of these ways include:
Touching the skin of another individual who is colonized with MRSA or has an active MRSA infection
Breathing the tiny droplets that are expelled during breathing, coughing, or sneezing
Touching a contaminated surface.
Once colonized with MRSA, a person can remain a carrier of this infection from a few days or weeks, up to several years. During this time period, MRSA carriers are not only at increased risk for infecting others, but also themselves.
The process of spreading MRSA that occurs with carriers of this infection is the same that occurs with direct contact with an active infection. The difference being, in the case of colonization, it is not apparent to either the carrier or the person becoming infected that anything is wrong.
Exposure to these things builds up immunity. I would think compulsively, obsessively avoiding exposure would make a person more vulnerable in the long run.
You may become a millionaire, but if you use all those in reality- isn’t the company who is supplying all those supplies getting rich and you are doing all the work? Tee Hee. Natural stuff like white vinegar is now coming into vogue–not just for douches anymore.
Remember, and I still use it. The five second rule–If it is retrieved from the floor within five seconds, blown off and eaten, it is still good.
Thank you for the giggles, Loretta