According to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), washing our hands is still considered to be the single most significant way to stop the spread of diseases. According to the CDC, eighty per cent of disease is transmitted through our hands.
As we enter into this year's regular influenza season punctuated with the extra concern of the H1N1 virus we are being reminded to:
- wash our hands frequently
- cover our mouths and noses when we cough and sneeze
- stay home if we are sick
Ideally you should wash your hands with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds. But what do you do if you can't get near a place where you can wash up? The solution is to carry your own antibacterial soap or towelettes which work just as well. These alcohol-based cleaners may not be able to get through dirt as well as soap and water but they will take care of the germs.
We could be going through a lot of sanitizer this year so here's an easy recipe to make you own that is just as effective and will cost a lot less.
You will need:
- 70 per cent Isopropyl alcohol
- hair gel (buy the least expensive)
- zip-top bag
- containers to store
- measuring cup
Hand sanitizers are most effective when the alcohol content is as least 60 per cent. To make it this strength mix the portions two parts Isopropyl alcohol to one part gel.
Mix the Isopropyl alcohol and hair gel into the zip-top bag and mix or knead them together until they are blended.
Once they are blended, pour the mixture into small plastic bottles. If you don't have any at home, they can be found at most dollar stores.
Seal tightly, label with a permanent marker and toss into your purse or pocket.
You can also put the sanitizer into a large pump bottle and leave it in a handy location to be used by visitors entering your home, classroom or office.
