Save Lives, Clean Your Hands

How much difference does washing your hands really make? Well the most common types of bacteria found on hands in order of most prevalent,  are: Pseudomonas fluorescens/putida -  Usually cause skin a skin rash or skin abscess.  Symptoms become much worse when it infects the blood or lungs where it can cause very low blood pressure or pneumonia. Staphylococcus warneri – in cases where infection develops, the severity can range from easily treated skin problems to more serious anomalies that affect internal organs and functions. Klebseilla pneumoniae – Infections due to this bacteria are prominent in individuals who have diabetes or who suffer from alcoholism due to a weakened immune system. Staphylococcus aureus -  Staph bacteria can cause a wide range of infections, from relatively minor skin infections such as boils, to more serious infections of the blood, lungs and heart. Enterobacter – An infection caused by this type of bacteria can cause respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections and many others. As you can see from this rather scary list our bodies are battling minor infections everyday and this can be especially dangerous for people with a weaker immune system – children, elderly, long term sick… In a normal everyday household, washing your hands removes between 46-60% of germs.  So if you are asking yourself whether its important to wash hands then the maths speak for themselves. A consistent hand hygiene regime is a must for anyone.  We live in an over populated world where we come into contact with a variety of people everyday. Think of them number of times we touch people directly and indirectly - at home, at work, at school, at the gym etc..  Hence having good hand hygiene really is all about good manners. If we can reduce bacteria on our hands by up to 60%, we are ensuring that everyone leads a cleaner, bug free life. As the old saying goes – if your going to change the way you live, start at home.  The following website is particularly informative on when & where to wash your hands – soap and water are best. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html As part of your hand hygiene regime why not buy a new soap dispenser, we stock a range of soap dispensers which are ideal for many uses: These Simplehuman Soap Dispensers are the ‘cream of the crop’. They have touch free sensors which means that no germs or smudges are left behind.  They are also rechargeable and they can hold they’re charge for up to 4 months.  Finally the feature I especially like is that they are washable too. even though they are electric. Simplehuman produce another range of touch free soap dispensers.  This range is battery operated, the AA batteries should last for up to 1 year before they need replacing.  These dispensers also dispense soap efficiently taking just 0.2 seconds with a non-drip valve to ensure the seal snaps shut – preventing messy drips.  They are available in a range of colours – black, white or stainless steel. These Galzone soap dispensers are reminiscent of a Barber’s Shop decor.  They are ideal for the Bathroom – the glass soap pump features a textured front with 'Pure Soap' embossed to the centre.  Available in 3 colours – clear, black or white glass. Designed in Denmark – these ceramic soap dispensers come in a range of colours so that you can choose which one complements you Kitchen or Bathroom décor. We also supply ranges of soaps that you could try. These Simplehuman refill pouches contain no phosphates and they have a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic formula that is gentle on hands.  The perfect consistency for sensor pumps — no clogs or drips. They dispense the correct amount quickly and consistently. The Ecosopia organic soaps are based on an original 1930’s recipe with no artificial colours, fragrances or fillers.  They are available in 4 scents,  "Rose Geranium", "Sicilian Orange", "Lavender" or "Unscented. This Blog was written as part of the ‘Clean your Hands Save Lives’ campaign, running on the 5th May. With thanks to: https://www.healthline.com https://www.quickanddirtytips.com https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing