Hand Hygiene: History and Its Importance

Hand hygiene. Whether or not we choose to participate in the necessary steps to achieve cleanly hands, we are all very aware of the importance and consequences. Now imagine that you do not know anything about hand hygiene. You go about your day without ever once washing your hands let alone thinking about it. This is how life used to be.

Enter Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis. Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician, is known today as an early pioneer of antiseptic procedures. He discovered that childbed fever (or puerperal fever), a bacterial infection which affects women during childbirth, could be drastically reduced by the use of hand disinfection.

Childbed fever was common in mid-19th-century hospitals and often fatal. In 1847 while working in Vienna General Hospital's First Obstetrical Clinic, Semmelweis was troubled that the doctors' wards had three times the mortality rates of midwives' wards. It was unknown as to why there were so many occurrences of childbed fever in the doctors' ward. Semmelweis set out to study childbed fever by recreating the same conditions in both wards. Despite harvesting identical conditions, the doctors' ward remained a truly deadly problem. Semmelweis was puzzled by his findings until he realized that childbed fever may be caused by a factor outside of the hospital.

Semmelweis theorized that childbed fever was being brought into the clinic by microscopic particles on the hands of doctors who were in contact with dead bodies, ill people in other parts of the hospital, and other doctors who had contact with both. He published a book of his findings, Etiology, Concept and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever.

Doctors were coming into contact with something that midwives were not. Germs.

Semmelweis began a campaign for hand washing in the clinics. Although he showed that hand-washing reduced mortality to below 1%, Semmelweis's observations were not accepted and received harsh criticism. His theory went against the current scientific opinion, which blamed diseases on an imbalance of the basic "humours" in the body. Some doctors were even offended at the suggestion that they should wash their hands. Because Semmelweis couldn't completely explain his theory and because there was no proof of germs in 1847, his recommendations were ignored. As he got older and continued to support germ theory, he was seen as crazy.

Semmelweis began acting erratically. He began to display symptoms today we might call "germ-phobia" or even O.C.D and ultimately suffered a nervous breakdown. He was committed to an insane asylum at the age of 47. Semmelweis died of blood poisoning within months of entering the asylum.

Years after his death, Semmelweis' practice earned widespread acceptance after Louis Pasteur confirmed the germ theory, which proposes that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases.

Hand Sanitizer Facts

• Consumer alcohol-based hand sanitizers and health care hand alcohol or alcohol hand antiseptic agents are antiseptic products used to avoid transmission of pathogens. They come in liquid, foam, and easy-flowing gel formulations. The alcohol level varies between 60% and 85%. The most commonly used level is 62%.


• The alcohol is what effectively destroys the microorganisms that live on the skin, especially under the fingernails, and webs between the fingers. Rubbing a few drops of sanitizer on the hand thoroughly for about 30 seconds is known to eliminate bacteria and viruses. The hand sanitizer should not be washed off, but should dry on its own. Many hand sanitizer products claim they can destroy up to 99.99 percent of bacteria.


• When hands are not visibly dirty, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many other world public health authorities recommend alcohol hand sanitizers as an acceptable alternative to soap and water.


• The Centers for Disease Control says the most important way to prevent the transmission of dangerous diseases is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers kill many different kinds of bacteria, including antibiotic resistant bacteria and TB bacteria. Hand sanitizer also has high viricidal activity against many different kinds of viruses, including enveloped viruses such as the flu virus.

Natural Vs Chemical Toiletries

Why choose toiletries made with natural ingredients over those with added chemicals?

Natural ingredients are usually softer, gentler & therefore kinder & more caring to your skin & hair. Have you ever noticed how your skin feels 'dry' after showering & bathing? This can be caused by a variety of chemical additives in your shower gels, soaps or body washes which as part of the cleansing action remove 'sebum', our bodies natural skin & hair lubrication.

Take a look at the ingredients listed on the products you use to see if they contain DEA, MEA or TEA (not the English Breakfast variety!) as these can be the cause of that 'dry' feeling. Natural based toiletries often use Aloe Vera, Vegetable Glycerin, a variety of plant oils & even honey to help your skin & hair to retain & replenish moisture to keep your skin soft & supple.

Golden Jojoba oil (simmondsia chinensis) is a popular plant oil & is often found in many skin & hair preparations as this oil is the closest in composition to Sebum & is extremely gentle & compatible with our skin & hair.

Do natural toiletries cost more than chemical based ones? Initially this may seem to be so BUT it is quite common when using natural products that you only need to use a fraction of the amount of product compared to a chemical based one. Therefore ml to ml a natural product can last a lot longer & be more cost effective.

Those who suffer with skin sensitivities &/or allergies may also notice that their skin becomes less irritated & even becomes softer & smoother. Chemical based or natural - which will you choose?

But what are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic plant extracts which have been used throughout history for their therapeutic abilities to relax & unwind, revive & uplift, soothe & relax the body, mind & spirit. These oils are extracted by steam distillation or expression from the roots, stems, leaves, petals, fruits or nuts of the plant.

Essential oils should be diluted before applying to the skin. Just a couple of drops added to body lotion or a carrier oil is all that is required to be able to benefit from the therapeutic properties of these natural oils.

These oils can affect our mood, emotions, health & well being. Pain relief, hormone balancing, skin soothing, stress relieving, sleep inducing are but a few of the properties these wonderful oils possess & they can also help to combat bacterial, viral & fungal infections.

Lead Free Brass: Why It Matters

Due to legal changes and corporate responsibility, many companies have moved over to using lead free brass for their pipes, fittings, and other products for use in the household. This is a step that many observers see as long overdue. Unfortunately, it's only relatively recently that experts have understood the negative impacts leaded content can have on people and the environment. This toxic metal was an important component of paint and gasoline for a long time. Nearly anything built before 1978 is resplendent with paint filled with the metal. Today, we know a bit more. Here is why many companies are making changes.

Exposure

Children and adults can both be subject to the harmful effects of toxic metal. This is one of the primary reasons behind a large-scale shift towards safer products, such as lead free brass. Children are in danger from household products because it is often their first instinct to put an object in their mouth. It should also be noted that their bodies have a tendency to absorb harmful chemicals much faster than adult bodies and they experience increased sensitivity to the effects. That's not the say the coast is clear for adults, who might be exposed to dust from repair work, contaminated water, and other means of consumption.

Reducing Risk

If you're concerned about your own exposure or that of your family, there are things you can do to reduce the risk you face on a daily basis. One change you can make is purchasing only lead free brass when it comes to those types of fittings, pipes, and even decorative materials. Experts also advise using only cold water when it comes to drinking or preparing food. Make sure you take the time to clean your faucet screens from time to time. Endeavor to keep your home clean of dust and make sure any paint you use around the home is certified as having no leaded content.

Damage

If you aren't convinced that precautions like lead free brass are worth all of the trouble, you should make yourself aware of the problems that can come along with high level exposure. Don't kid yourself about the kind of exposure it takes to qualify as "high level", either, because it isn't always a lot. Children have been known to suffer from brain and nervous system damage, learning disabilities, hearing problems, and more. Adults have been known to have issues with their hearing and vision, reproductive difficulties, joint and muscle pain, and many other symptoms of toxic exposure.

What Are the Benefits of Water Ionization?

Many people have heard about ionized water. And many more have heard about ionization. This water is the most vital life supporting element known to us. So, what is the ionized water? When is water said to be ionized? Why is it so important to use ionized water? These are some of the concerns we shall seek to understand.

In simple terms, ionization is the process through which liquid is separated into alkaline and acidic parts using an appliance known as ionizer machine. Today, more compact appliances are available, which you could hook to your kitchen and get ionized liquid right through your tap. After going through this process, it is turned to ionized. Ionized water can be either alkaline or acidic. Water at its pure state is neutral, with a pH (potential hydrogen) value of 7. Alkaline water will have pH values greater than 7, while acidic water will have pH values below 7. Alkaline liquid is great for drinking as it contains healthy minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium in forms easier for the body to absorb.

Why to drink ionized alkaline water? Ionized water, particularly alkaline, helps in keeping our bodies at proper alkaline levels. This helps to neutralize excess acids and facilitates the removal of waste and other toxins from the body. Our modern diets are heavy in foods containing high acidity levels, and if these levels are not managed, they will inhibit optimum oxygen absorption resulting in damage to body cells. This will generally be felt in our bodies as fatigue; while on the other hand, drinking alkaline water will be invigorating to the body as a result of enhanced oxygen absorption.

Poor skin, obesity, high blood pressure and even skin cancer are some of the common conditions associated with high acidity. Just by drinking alkaline water and ensuring the body is kept at alkaline levels will counter these.

Another benefit of drinking alkaline water is improved hydration. This enhances metabolism while regulating the body temperature at the same time. A well hydrated body ensures efficient delivery of essential vitamins and nutrients to body cells while ensuring quick removal of waste and other toxins.

The benefits of ionized water are many. Ionized acidic water, for example, is great for cleaning surfaces as its acidic properties have the ability to kill most germs and bacteria on contact.

How do we make ionized alkaline water? The phrasing used may make you think that it is a complicated process. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ionizer machines will come in varied sizes and prices to suit individual consumer needs. Don't worry about it a lot. They all do the same thing. These appliances are easy and safe to use at home.

Take into account the many benefits of using ionized water. If you are looking for a green way to keep your home clean, safe and healthy, water ionization may be a great place to start.

Searching for a Non-Surgical Vein Care Treatment Option? Try Sclerotherapy

If you have varicose or spider veins in your legs, you may be feeling self-conscious or even experiencing some pain and swelling associated with your vein problems. Both varicose veins and spider veins are extremely common, but you don't have to spend summers sweating in pants and avoiding the beach. There are many vein care treatment options available. Some are more complicated than others, but one option that sounds strange and is actually very simple is sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment option in which a solution is injected directly into problem veins. The solution causes the vein to collapse, which forces the blood to reroute to healthier veins. The closed vein is then simply absorbed by your body, restoring your skin's smooth appearance.

Sclerotherapy has been used as a successful treatment for varicose and spider veins for many years, and the procedure has gotten better and more effective over time. With technological advancements comes the ability to provide better care to patients, especially those with vein problems.

Even if you're squeamish around needles, the ones used in sclerotherapy are very tiny and less painful than a routine blood draw or body piercing. You may feel a stinging sensation and some discomfort for a few seconds after the injection, but most patients are surprised at how easy the treatment is. With any procedure comes the need to be quick, non-invasive, painless and one that is easy to recover from.

The entire procedure takes around 15 - 30 minutes, depending on the number of veins to be treated. There is no need for downtime with sclerotherapy, which means you can go right back to work. Results can be seen in a matter of weeks, not months or years. Best of all, once the veins fade, they will not reappear and cause the same issue in your life some time down the road.

Of course, sclerotherapy is not right for everyone and candidates must consider all aspects involved. The best thing to do if you're looking for vein care treatment is to talk to your doctor or a specialist about your options, as they will be able to determine your specific course of treatment based on past medical history and current medical conditions. There is a plan of treatment that is right for you; the key is simply to explore your options, consult your physician and start down the path of a better life.

Solutions to Fine Hair - Understand Your Condition

Fine hair refers to hair strands which are thin, with diameter smaller than normal strands. Hence, one can have lots of fine hair, or little of it - which is what makes people worry.

There are many reasons for having fine hair, and it is good to know why, so that you can solve the root of the problem.

For some, it may be hereditary, and are genetically born with fine hair. Others may be due to imbalanced diet, stress, hormonal changes, medication or age.

Therefore, the most straightforward ways to reverse the condition is to eat well and be happy! As the saying goes, "you are what you eat". Keep a healthy and balanced diet high in protein, vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, beans, fruits and vegetables.

Staying happy and optimistic are important too. Constant stressful lifestyles not only gives you white hair, it thins out your hair as well. Learn to relax and keep your mood up and your hair will be fuller too.

Fine, thin hair tends to be flat, limp and sticks close to your face. Rejuvenate your tresses by using volumizing shampoo and treatment. Stay away from conditioners if possible as they makes your hair locks in moisture and weigh down your hair even more. If you have fine and dry hair, make do with a little condition at the ends of your stands only.

Go easy on your hair with rebonding, hair-dyes and any other chemical treatments as they may be too harsh on your fragile hair. If you have to, get a good hairdresser who understands your hair condition, or remind your hairdresser to reduce the amount of chemicals used.

That said, it is not easy to transform fine, thin hair to thick, lustre hair totally. Especially if it is due to genetics, medication, hormones or age. We can't go against them, but we can learn to manage them!

There are hair volumizing products out there that can give you volumed hair. Hairsprays, highlights, curls are just some of the many ways to make you look like you have a thick mane as well.

Go for hairstyles that are more suitable: less layered, short- to medium-lengthed and bobbed-shaped. Of course, this also depends on individual's face shape and features.

Fine hair can lead to other conditions like damaged/frizziness and hair loss. These can be prevented if you exercise proper haircare routines. However, if problems persist, it is advisable that you visit a hair specialist to find out more.

The Many Benefits Of Resistance Training

Resistance training is that which takes place when the muscles apply force to an external resistance. This can involve free weights, machines, cables, bands, your own body weight, gravity and muscular tension. It is also referred to as strength training or weight training.

Here are just some of the benefits of incorporating resistance training into your program:

Faster metabolism
Your BMR or basal metabolic rate is the rate at which you burn calories at rest. One major factor influencing this rate is the amount of muscle your body has. Unlike fat, muscle is active tissue and as such requires a continuous supply of energy. Therefore replacing fat with lean tissue will increase your overall energy expenditure making it far easier for you to maintain a healthy weight and favourable body composition.

Reduced risk of injury
Resistance training contributes to a stronger core enabling you to maintain better balance. It also helps develop strong ligaments and tendons which support the joints, improving stability and minimising the risk of injury and falls. This is obviously particularly important as we age. Lack of lumbar strength has been associated with the development of low back pain and dysfunction so strengthening this area is crucial. Lower back pain is likely to affect over 80% of western society due to our sedentary desk-bound lifestyles.

Better sports performance
Increased muscle tone improves speed, co-ordination and agility. An optimal sports specific training program will include a strength component to enhance performance in speed, power and agility.

Better posture
Poor posture can stem from weak back muscles, preventing your body from standing tall. Strengthening these muscles can vastly improve your posture, often reducing muscular pain and allowing you to exude more confidence.

Increased confidence and self-esteem
Strength training as with other types of activity can have a powerful psychological effect. The process of setting and achieving goals gives a boost to self esteem. Being fitter and stronger, means you are better equipped to deal with day to day challenges giving greater feelings of empowerment. And of course there's no denying that looking and feeling more attractive boosts confidence levels.

Reduced risk of coronary heart disease

• Reduced cholesterol - A study in Beaumont Hospital, Michigan demonstrated that strength training has been shown to improve your good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease bad cholesterol (LDL).


• Reduction in Hypertension - Cardiovascular training is the best way to reduce your resting blood pressure, but weight training has also been shown to have a positive effect on dialstolic readings (the lower number), placing less strain on the heart.


• Blood health - Weight training can lower serum lipids and blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. High levels can damage the lining of your blood vessels over time and increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease and blood clots.

Reduced risk of type-II diabetes
Studies have shown that weight training may improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, which decreases the chances of diabetes. Research indicates that weight training can increase glucose utilization in the body by 23% in four months. A decrease in insulin release was significantly correlated with an increase in lean body mass.

Reduced risk of osteporosis
As we age, we become more prone to bone density issues such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. This is especially true of women where it affects 1 in 4 in the post menopause phase when oestrogen levels are greatly reduced and the bones lose their density. Porous bones are weaker, have increased susceptibility to fractures and can reduce mobility. Strength training has been shown to not only stop the loss of bone density but it can actually increase bone density. Compressive, weight bearing exercises provide the stimulus from which bones can adapt and strengthen. The earlier you start training with weights, the better.

Aids management of arthritis
Exercise is an essential tool in managing arthritis. It helps to reduce joint pain and stiffness by increasing muscular strength around the joints. Flexibility and endurance also improve with weight bearing impact having a positive effect in controlling the condition.

Improved digestion
A recent study by the Research Director of the YMCA in Massachusetts showed a 56% decrease in gastrointestinal transit time after three months of strength training. This is significant because delayed digestion puts you at a higher risk for colon cancer.

Exploding the myths surrounding resistance training

You may have heard the saying, 'muscle weighs more than fat'. Obviously that's not true. 1lb of muscle weighs 1lb, as does 1lb of fat. However, muscle tissue is denser than fat and therefore 1lb has a lower volume and takes up less space. So yes, through strength training you may gain a little weight, but it's lean, active tissue that burns calories and is smaller in size. Your shape will change for the better. Ignore the scales and instead see how your clothes fit.

Women often worry that training with weights will lead them to 'bulk up' developing large muscles. This is almost impossible to do. Muscle growth is largely dependent on testosterone and females simply do not have enough of the hormone within their bodies for their muscles to become very large. You will tone your muscles and have definition, without the 'bulk'.

It is impossible to turn fat into muscle, or muscle into fat. Your body can utilise fat as an energy source to enable an increase in muscle tissue, but it does not magically change its cellular structure. Each is unique.

Correct technique

For strength training, correct technique is extremely important. Some people feel daunted by the prospect of learning new skills. The best way to learn good form is to ask a professional who will not only guide you through correct technique, but will design a program to include the specific training protocol to enable you to fulfill your own aims, whether that be endurance, muscle mass, optimal strength or power. You will quickly acquire new motor skills that you will be able to incorporate into your daily life.

Give resistance training a try and soon you'll be reaping the rewards as you find it easier to perform daily activities that require pulling, pushing and lifting.