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Hand Sanitizer or Soap & Water?

hand washingAt Martin Chiropractic Clinic, we do our best to promote overall wellness which includes wanting our patients to have healthy immune systems. This includes checking your spine and nervous system for proper function as well as encouraging everyone to wash their hands to prevent illness.

Here are a few tips to help prevent the spread of germs and avoid catching the latest virus.

  • The Centers for Disease Control says washing hands is better than hand sanitizer.
  • However, you want to wash for at least 20 seconds or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” slowly. Water temperature doesn’t matter. Be sure to wash both sides of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails and jewelry.
  • One study found that washing hands may be better at defending against flu viruses, but it did not take into account that rubbing hand sanitizer into the skin increases effectiveness.
  • If your hands are grimy, washing them gets rid of the dirt more effectively than hand sanitizers. It can also get rid of pesticides, some chemicals, and organisms including norovirus, cryptosporidium, and C. difficile.
  • If you are in a setting where you can’t wash your hands, then use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol which kills many bacteria and viruses (including the cold virus). Just rub it in until your hands are dry.
  • In addition to protecting your skin from germ exposure, have your spine checked and make sure your nervous and immune systems are functioning as close to 100% as possible.

We see the results of consistent chiropractic care every year. Family members who come in for regular care do a better job of fighting off viruses than their unhealthier immediate family members who haven’t taken the time to have their spine and nervous system checked. Want to learn more? Contact us today!

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