Nice round of applause to the head nurses at each of the following school districts that paid close attention when the manufacturer of Soapopular alcohol free hand free hand sanitizer responded to a nurse's message on a school nurse chat site seeking free hygiene products:
Thanks to Mary Ferone, RN of Plainfield IL, and in less than four hours, the folks at MGS Brands, the US Distributor of Soapopular extended their hands to the head nurses at 7 major school districts, and facilitated the delivery of Soapopular product to more than 2500 elementary and high school students and teaching staff at schools in Barrington IL; Carlinville, IL; Warren, NJ; Waterville,ME; Lafayette,IN; West Milton, OH, and Mission, TX.
Nice job nurses!!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Shopping Carts & Hand Hygiene: An Innovative Approach
We're happy to extend a hats off to Wisconsin-based PureCarts Inc., a company that has developed a mini, car wash-like device for shopping carts, a vehicle that is long known for transporting not only grocery items and little tikes while shopping in the supermarket, but for carrying any number of germs, bacteria and viruses.
The 'drive-thru' devices are somewhat outsized, and not inexpensive for grocery stores or big box retailers to lease, but its reasonable to suggest that the indirect cost savings to store operators, their employees, and their guests should more than offset the annual cost of each device.
The disinfect formula used to spray down the carts is a derivative of hydrogen peroxide, and otherwise a compelling food-safe formula that disinfects surfaces, and is residue free before a shopper hands would come in contact with the shopping cart.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Fight Against Clostridium Difficile: New Drug Shows Promise
San Diego-based Optimer Pharmaceuticals says that that its newly developed antiobiotic is showing significant promise as a weapon in the war against the notorious superbug, Clostridium Difficile a/k/a C.difficile, a/k/a C.diff.
The superbug, which leads to septic shock in close to 10% of those that acquire the virus, overshadows MRSA as being one of the most prevalent hospital-acquired viruses, and health care experts have estimated that attacking C.diff costs more than $1 billion a year in the US alone.
Although clinical trials can extend for months, if not years, we clap our hands in support of efforts to quash C.diff, and in the interim, we continue to support all efforts that promote proper hand hygiene as the most effective way to stem the transmission of easily-acquired bacteria and viruses.
Washing with non-antimicrobial soap is the first line of defense, and if washing with soap and water isn't readily available, be smart about the hand sanitizer product that you use. Alcohol-free, rinse free hand sanitizer products; those that contain the organic compound benzalkonium chloride, are being widely embraced by infection control experts as the most pragmatic alternative to alcohol-based gels, which are being eschewed by those that finally understand the negative 'features' of legacy alcohol based products--they destroy protective skin cells, cause dry/irritated skin, and in turn exposing users to increased risk of acquiring the same bacteria and viruses that the products are supposedly protecting against.
And yes, alcohol-based gels kill germs-presuming you've washed your hands of dirt prior to applying--and while killing germs, the alcohol gel will also kill industrial floor wax, paint, materials, and just about anything else that you apply it to..Great product for stripping paint...but not for putting into your hands...Do the research..we've profiled at least several alcohol-free, rinse free, fragrance and dye free products in this column!
The superbug, which leads to septic shock in close to 10% of those that acquire the virus, overshadows MRSA as being one of the most prevalent hospital-acquired viruses, and health care experts have estimated that attacking C.diff costs more than $1 billion a year in the US alone.
Although clinical trials can extend for months, if not years, we clap our hands in support of efforts to quash C.diff, and in the interim, we continue to support all efforts that promote proper hand hygiene as the most effective way to stem the transmission of easily-acquired bacteria and viruses.
Washing with non-antimicrobial soap is the first line of defense, and if washing with soap and water isn't readily available, be smart about the hand sanitizer product that you use. Alcohol-free, rinse free hand sanitizer products; those that contain the organic compound benzalkonium chloride, are being widely embraced by infection control experts as the most pragmatic alternative to alcohol-based gels, which are being eschewed by those that finally understand the negative 'features' of legacy alcohol based products--they destroy protective skin cells, cause dry/irritated skin, and in turn exposing users to increased risk of acquiring the same bacteria and viruses that the products are supposedly protecting against.
And yes, alcohol-based gels kill germs-presuming you've washed your hands of dirt prior to applying--and while killing germs, the alcohol gel will also kill industrial floor wax, paint, materials, and just about anything else that you apply it to..Great product for stripping paint...but not for putting into your hands...Do the research..we've profiled at least several alcohol-free, rinse free, fragrance and dye free products in this column!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Women's Hands Home to More Types of Germs
Based on a just released study from the University of Colorado, which found women's hands have a veritable United Nations of germs compared to men's, it comes as no surprise that women represent 75% of the close to $100 million in US hand sanitizer product sales.
But more interesting: both genders house vastly more bacteria on their palms than previously suspected, according to the study which appears in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
On average, each hand studied was home to about 150 different species of bacteria. Overall, more than 4,700 bacterial species were identified on all hands, only five of which were common among all volunteers.
Of perhaps the most interesting finding: In general, hand washing did not seem to affect the diversity of bacteria (though it's still a good practice, the researchers stressed). Either the bacteria come back quickly after hand washing (at least the kind of hand washing practiced by these volunteers) or hand washing just doesn't dislodge bacteria, they said.
Another good reason to research hand sanitizer products, and to understand the distinctions between the flammable gels formulated with alcohol, vs those with organic compounds that are intended to protect skin cells, while providing extended persistency in the course of defending against germs and bacteria.
But more interesting: both genders house vastly more bacteria on their palms than previously suspected, according to the study which appears in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
On average, each hand studied was home to about 150 different species of bacteria. Overall, more than 4,700 bacterial species were identified on all hands, only five of which were common among all volunteers.
Of perhaps the most interesting finding: In general, hand washing did not seem to affect the diversity of bacteria (though it's still a good practice, the researchers stressed). Either the bacteria come back quickly after hand washing (at least the kind of hand washing practiced by these volunteers) or hand washing just doesn't dislodge bacteria, they said.
Another good reason to research hand sanitizer products, and to understand the distinctions between the flammable gels formulated with alcohol, vs those with organic compounds that are intended to protect skin cells, while providing extended persistency in the course of defending against germs and bacteria.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
University of Virginia Study: Hand Hygiene, including use of Proper Hand Sanitizer Reduces Cold& Flu Symptoms By Up to 50%
Scientists at the University of Virginia, long known for its virology research, tested surfaces in the homes of people with colds and reported the results Tuesday at the nation’s premier conference on infectious diseases.
For the new study, researchers started with 30 adults showing early symptoms of colds. Sixteen tested positive for rhinovirus, which causes about half of all colds. They were asked to name 10 places in their homes they had touched in the preceding 18 hours, and researchers used DNA tests to hunt for rhinovirus.
“We found that commonly touched areas like refrigerator doors and handles were positive about 40 percent of the time” for cold germs, Winther said.
In a separate study, the university’s Drs. Diane Pappas and Owen Hendley went germ-hunting on toys in the offices of five pediatricians in Fairfax, Va., three times during last year’s cold and flu season.
Tests showed fragments of cold viruses on 20 percent of all toys tested — 20 percent of those in the “sick child” waiting room, 17 percent in the “well child” waiting room, and 30 percent in a sack of toys that kids are allowed to choose from after being good for a shot.
“Mamas know this,” Hendley said. “They say, `We go to a doctor for a well-child checkup, the kids play with the toys and two days later they have a cold.’”
Doctors have long advised frequent hand-washing to avoid spreading germs. Wearing surgical masks and using hand sanitizers also can help, a novel University of Michigan study found.
About 1,000 students who live in dorms tested these measures for six weeks during the 2006-07 flu season. They were divided into three groups: those who wore masks, those who wore masks and used an alcohol free hand sanitizer, and those who did neither.
The two groups who used masks reported 10 percent to 50 percent fewer cold symptoms — cough, fever, chills — than the group who used no prevention measures.
For the new study, researchers started with 30 adults showing early symptoms of colds. Sixteen tested positive for rhinovirus, which causes about half of all colds. They were asked to name 10 places in their homes they had touched in the preceding 18 hours, and researchers used DNA tests to hunt for rhinovirus.
“We found that commonly touched areas like refrigerator doors and handles were positive about 40 percent of the time” for cold germs, Winther said.
In a separate study, the university’s Drs. Diane Pappas and Owen Hendley went germ-hunting on toys in the offices of five pediatricians in Fairfax, Va., three times during last year’s cold and flu season.
Tests showed fragments of cold viruses on 20 percent of all toys tested — 20 percent of those in the “sick child” waiting room, 17 percent in the “well child” waiting room, and 30 percent in a sack of toys that kids are allowed to choose from after being good for a shot.
“Mamas know this,” Hendley said. “They say, `We go to a doctor for a well-child checkup, the kids play with the toys and two days later they have a cold.’”
Doctors have long advised frequent hand-washing to avoid spreading germs. Wearing surgical masks and using hand sanitizers also can help, a novel University of Michigan study found.
About 1,000 students who live in dorms tested these measures for six weeks during the 2006-07 flu season. They were divided into three groups: those who wore masks, those who wore masks and used an alcohol free hand sanitizer, and those who did neither.
The two groups who used masks reported 10 percent to 50 percent fewer cold symptoms — cough, fever, chills — than the group who used no prevention measures.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
US Congressman Convicted of DUI: Attorney Attributes It To Alcohol In Purell Hand Sanitizer
Excerpt from Oct 18 2008 Washington Post:
"...After a nearly eight-hour trial in Alexandria traffic court, Rep. Vito Fossella of New York was found guilty last night of driving under the influence, but the judge did not decide whether the Republican congressman was so drunk he should go to jail.
...During breaks on the floor, Fossella said, he sometimes repaired to a side office and cleaned his hands with Purell, a hand sanitizer that is more than 60 percent ethyl alcohol, according to its manufacturer. His attorneys said the alcohol in the Purell contributed to the elevated blood-alcohol reading many hours later..."
One can simply go to YouTube.com and search key words "alcohol hand sanitizer" to discover how easy it is to make a 120 proof cocktail by mixing Purell into club soda.
Just another reason why we're becoming ever so popular for promoting the use of alcohol-free hand sanitizers
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
UN Celebrates Global Hand Washing Day -BBC News Reports 1:4 Subway Riders Pose Risk to Commuters
And at the same time, this news report from BBC-
Scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine swabbed 409 people at bus and train stations in five major cities in England and Wales.More than one in four commuters has bacteria from faeces on their hands, an investigation suggests.
The further north they went, the more often they found commuters with faecal bacteria on their hands - men in Newcastle were the worst offenders.
Experts stressed the importance of hand hygiene for preventing illness.
The bacteria found suggested people were not washing their hands properly after using the toilet, said the researchers.
Scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine swabbed 409 people at bus and train stations in five major cities in England and Wales.More than one in four commuters has bacteria from faeces on their hands, an investigation suggests.
The further north they went, the more often they found commuters with faecal bacteria on their hands - men in Newcastle were the worst offenders.
Experts stressed the importance of hand hygiene for preventing illness.
The bacteria found suggested people were not washing their hands properly after using the toilet, said the researchers.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Hand Hygiene and The Bottom Line Impact to Budgets
For those that are focusing on how to manage their budgets in this time of unprecedented economic constraints, here's a simple economic and financial fact:
Proactive, and responsible hand hygiene protocols, whether within schools, healthcare venues, and/or the workplace can save tens of thousands of dollars in the course of re-evaluating budgets and spending.
How? Its real simple; it all comes down to the cost of absenteeism.
Consider what it costs when an employee is out sick for the day. A lost sale, a delayed shipment, a delay in processing an order or a receivable, a delay in training a customer service representative, a class that has to be rescheduled. When there is a one-day or an extended absence due to common illness, i.e. a bug, the flu, a cold, a stomach virus, you not only lose productivity, but temporary workers need to be brought when there is an extended absence of a full-time worker.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that many low-level illnesses can be easily avoided by steps as simple as washing hands frequently--and especially after coming into contact with any 'foreign object'--keyboards, door handles, desktops, shaking hands with someone, etc etc. A message that any healthcare professional will acknowledge. And its a message that hand sanitizer makers have promoted--"when washing with soap and water isn't convenient....."
Here's the rub-not all hand sanitizer products make sense. Alcohol-based gel products kill germs on contact-and they also kill the protective skin cells that shield against germs, bacteria and viruses. From a cost-efficiency standpoint, alcohol-based hand sanitizer formulas burn through your budget as quickly as the flames that result when you put a match to the alcohol in that bottle of gel on your desk.
On the other hand, alcohol-free, foaming applications require less "per shot" application, they provide extended persistency (meaning they continue to protect against germs long after applied), and, unlike alcohol gels--which introduce added cost when considering the damage they inflict on floors, walls,etc. NON-ALCOHOL, rinse free foaming hand sanitizers provide 2x-3x greater cost efficiency..End users consume less than half as much product over the course of a month or a year when compared to historical usage of alcohol-based gels. There are several alcohol-free, foam format brands--however they do range in price--and some manufacturers have made the mistake of pricing their product at a level that mitigates cost efficiences..Products such as Soapopular, Hy5, some HandClens products are priced comparable to alcohol-based products--which means these brands deliver the cost savings that consumers and institutional users can benefit from--and save upwards of 50% on their annual hand sanitizer purchases.
Proactive, and responsible hand hygiene protocols, whether within schools, healthcare venues, and/or the workplace can save tens of thousands of dollars in the course of re-evaluating budgets and spending.
How? Its real simple; it all comes down to the cost of absenteeism.
Consider what it costs when an employee is out sick for the day. A lost sale, a delayed shipment, a delay in processing an order or a receivable, a delay in training a customer service representative, a class that has to be rescheduled. When there is a one-day or an extended absence due to common illness, i.e. a bug, the flu, a cold, a stomach virus, you not only lose productivity, but temporary workers need to be brought when there is an extended absence of a full-time worker.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that many low-level illnesses can be easily avoided by steps as simple as washing hands frequently--and especially after coming into contact with any 'foreign object'--keyboards, door handles, desktops, shaking hands with someone, etc etc. A message that any healthcare professional will acknowledge. And its a message that hand sanitizer makers have promoted--"when washing with soap and water isn't convenient....."
Here's the rub-not all hand sanitizer products make sense. Alcohol-based gel products kill germs on contact-and they also kill the protective skin cells that shield against germs, bacteria and viruses. From a cost-efficiency standpoint, alcohol-based hand sanitizer formulas burn through your budget as quickly as the flames that result when you put a match to the alcohol in that bottle of gel on your desk.
On the other hand, alcohol-free, foaming applications require less "per shot" application, they provide extended persistency (meaning they continue to protect against germs long after applied), and, unlike alcohol gels--which introduce added cost when considering the damage they inflict on floors, walls,etc. NON-ALCOHOL, rinse free foaming hand sanitizers provide 2x-3x greater cost efficiency..End users consume less than half as much product over the course of a month or a year when compared to historical usage of alcohol-based gels. There are several alcohol-free, foam format brands--however they do range in price--and some manufacturers have made the mistake of pricing their product at a level that mitigates cost efficiences..Products such as Soapopular, Hy5, some HandClens products are priced comparable to alcohol-based products--which means these brands deliver the cost savings that consumers and institutional users can benefit from--and save upwards of 50% on their annual hand sanitizer purchases.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Used in Fire Bombing: Maine Woman Indicted
We couldn't have made this story up..courtesy of Bangor (Maine) News.com
Woman accused of trying to burn boyfriend’s car
By Eric Russell
BDN Staff
BANGOR, Maine — A woman who last month allegedly tried to set fire to her boyfriend’s car using alcohol-based hand sanitizer was indicted Monday by a Penobscot County grand jury.
Eliza Thornley, 21, a transient, was charged with Class A arson, aggravated criminal mischief and criminal mischief.
Assistant District Attorney Greg Campbell said the charge was warranted particularly because the situation in early August could have been much worse.
“She apparently was upset at a guy, so she took a bottle of hand sanitizer, which has alcohol, put it on his car and then lit a match,” Campbell said. “The car burned near the wheel-well in the rear, but it was right near the gas tank, so it could have been much more dangerous. Someone could have been hurt.”
Also indicted Monday was Todd Ingalls, 32, of Bangor on three counts of felony assault related to an incident last month.
Just another reason why alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be avoided...in favor of alcohol-free alternatives...we still think Soapopular remains the most popular of choices..Hy5 is a good one too
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Knoxville TN Students Spike Teacher's Drink With (Alcohol) Hand Sanitizer
This story is courtesy of Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Originally published 05:37 p.m., September 12, 2008
Updated 05:37 p.m., September 12, 2008
LAKE CITY - Three eighth-graders apparently spiked a Lake City Middle School teacher's soft drink with Germ-X hand sanitizer and could be charged with aggravated assault, officials said.
The female science teacher became nauseated after drinking the beverage but didn't require medical attention and returned to work today, officials said. The soft drink was in a Styrofoam cup on her desk, and an unknown amount of Germ-X from a pump bottle in her class was put in the cup, Sellers said.
Originally published 05:37 p.m., September 12, 2008
Updated 05:37 p.m., September 12, 2008
LAKE CITY - Three eighth-graders apparently spiked a Lake City Middle School teacher's soft drink with Germ-X hand sanitizer and could be charged with aggravated assault, officials said.
The female science teacher became nauseated after drinking the beverage but didn't require medical attention and returned to work today, officials said. The soft drink was in a Styrofoam cup on her desk, and an unknown amount of Germ-X from a pump bottle in her class was put in the cup, Sellers said.
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