bacteria

Health Facts: Want to Stay Healthy? Take Time to Wash Your Hands

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Here are two lesser-known but important facts about handwashing:

  1. Handwashing Helps Prevent the Spread of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Proper handwashing can help reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When we frequently wash our hands with soap and water, we remove bacteria from our skin that could potentially contribute to the spread of these resistant strains. If bacteria are regularly removed before they have the chance to multiply and spread, it reduces the likelihood of them transferring to other people or surfaces.
  2. Handwashing Is More Effective with Friction and Duration: Many people don’t realize that simply rinsing hands under water isn’t enough. The friction created by rubbing your hands together while washing, along with the duration of washing (at least 20 seconds), is crucial for dislodging and removing germs. This mechanical action, combined with soap’s ability to break down oils and contaminants, ensures that more germs are effectively removed from the skin.

Healthy Lifestyle Tip ~ Is Kombucha Healthy?

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What does the research say about kombucha tea?

According to Mayo Clinic, “Kombucha tea is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. To make the drink, bacteria and yeast must first grow together to form a culture. The culture is added to the sugar and tea. Then the mix is allowed to ferment. The end result is a liquid that has vinegar, B vitamins and many other types of acids, including amino acids. Supporters claim that kombucha tea helps prevent and treat health conditions, from blood pressure to cancer. There is limited data on kombucha tea. A small amount of research suggests that kombucha tea may give benefits similar to probiotic supplements. For example, some research suggests kombucha tea may support a healthy immune system and prevent constipation. But there are few valid medical studies of kombucha tea’s role in human health.

Today’s Health Tip ~ Is It Time to Get Rid of These Things?

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Getting Rid of These Things Is a Healthy Move

  1. Sponges ~ It doesn’t take long for sponges to become a hotbed of bacteria. They can spread germs to your hands and then to your food. Or if you have a cut on your hand, bacteria can enter your body that way. Even if you boil or microwave your sponges after each use, scientists say it’s best to replace them once a week.
  2. Toothbrushes ~ Twice-a-day scrubbing sessions really do in your toothbrush’s bristles over time. For best cleaning results, switch to a new one every 3 to 4 months.
  3. Makeup ~ While products vary, a good rule of thumb is to restock cosmetics around the 6-month mark to keep bacteria at bay. Always replace makeup after you’ve used it on infected skin or eyes.
  4. Medications ~ Manufacturers are required to put expiration dates on their meds. Some studies show they work much longer than their stamped shelf life, but the best option is to keep your medicine cabinet contents current. Most expired medications will lose strength over time. When you toss drugs, be responsible: The FDA’s website can give you guidelines for what to trash, what to flush, and where to look for take-back options in your area.

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Today’s Health Tip ~ Is Sneezing Healthy?

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Sneezing Helps Keep Your Body Safe

Sneezing is an important part of the immune process, helping to keep us healthy and sniffle-free. Sneezes protect your body by clearing the nose of bacteria and viruses. When something enters your nose or you encounter a trigger that sets off your “sneeze center” in your brain, located in the lower brain stem, signals are rapidly sent to tightly close your throat, eyes, and mouth. Next, your chest muscles vigorously contract, and then your throat muscles quickly relax. As result, air — along with saliva and mucus — is forced out of your mouth and nose. Voila, you’ve sneezed.

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