Hand Washing - Warm Water & Soap!

Photo Courtesy of EnviroBlog.org

By Rahmat Dermawan Gulo

Did you know? We are carrying millions of microbes on our hands. We can pick up germs from objects such as doorknobs and stair railings which touch by other people who are not good hand washers. Most are harmless, but some can cause illness such cold, flu and diarrhea. We can spread this germ to other people or give them to our selves by touching our eyes, mouths, noses or cuts on our bodies.

So, what should we do to prevent this microbe cause a bad effect to us? Yes we can wash our hands properly using soap and running water, or alcohol-based gel. Please follow the procedure below:

1. Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. We can use warm water if available.

2. Rub hands together to make lather and scrub all surface.

3. Continue rubbing your hands for 10-20 seconds.

4. Rinse hands well under running water

5. Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible you can use your paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door handle prior to disposing of it.

If soap and water are not available we can use alcohol-based gel to clean our hands. How to use alcohol-based gel to wash our hands?

1. Apply product to the palm of one hand

2. Rub hands together

3. Rub the product allover surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

Stop!!! Do not forget to wash your hands :

1. Before touching your face, mouth, nose and eyes

2. Before preparing or eating food

3. After going to bathroom

4. After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom

5. Before and after treating someone who is sick

6. After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

7. After handling garbage

9. Before and after treating a cut or wound

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Global Hand-Washing Day promoted worldwide

From EnviroBlog
By Jovana Ruzicic

Last couple of days, it's been all about the bottled water here at EWG. The same day we released our investigation, was the day the United Nations declared the Global Hand-Washing Day

The day, and the initiative to call 2008 International Year of Sanitation comes after the founding that over 80 per cent of all diseases in developing countries are attributable to unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.

The action for the Global Hand-Washing Day spread across five continents in 70 countries and had affected over 120 million children.

The message about the importance of pure water and the access to it is clear. But the message about the importance of using that clear water, with soap, when washing hands is what this day wants to promote. According to the promotional web site for the day:

"Handwashing with soap is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal and acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries every year. Together, they are responsible for the majority of all child deaths. Yet, despite its lifesaving potential, handwashing with soap is seldom practiced and difficult to promote.

Of the approximately 120 million children born in the developing world each year, half will live in households without access to improved sanitation, at grave risk to their survival and development. Poor hygiene and lack of access to sanitation together contribute to about 88% of deaths from diarrhoeal diseases, accounting for 1.5 million diarrhoea-related under-five deaths each year. Children suffer disproportionately from diarrheal and respiratory diseases and deaths. But research shows that children - the segment of society so often the most energetic, enthusiastic, and open to new ideas - can also be powerful agents of behavioral change."

Nice action UN!

Computer-Related Ergonomics Problems

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Computer-Related Ergonomic problems can be caused by both work-related and non-work related factors. Computer-related Ergonomics problems are conditions which affect millions of people every single day. These Computer-related Ergonomics problems are only getting worse, as more and more of us use desktop and laptop computers all day, then again at night, we are spending more and more time infront of our computers and we will pay the price if we do not pay attention to our postures and bodies.

Ergonomics Risk Factors for Computer-Related Ergonomics Problems
There are many ways to determine which is conditions of workplace can lead to Computer-related Ergonomic Problems. The primary ergonomics risk factors for Computer-related Ergonomic problems like Cumulative Trauma Disorder and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include: repetitive motions, poor support, awkward posture, forceful movements and overall poor workplace ergonomics set-up. All of these Ergonomics risk factors can simply and easily be reduced or eliminated. Prevention is cost-effective and easy, compared to the alternative of living in pain, high medical costs, therapy orsurgery and lost time or lost work efficiency.

Symptoms of Computer-Related Ergonomic Problems
Pain or aching in wrists, forearms, elbows, neck, or back followed by discomfort
Numbness, tingling or burning sensation in hand or fingers
Dry, itchy, red or sore eyes: Ergonomics Eye Problems or Eye Strain
Blurred or double vision
Tight, sore neck and shoulder muscles
General fatigue or tiredness
Reduced grip strength in the hand
Swelling or stiffness in the hand or wrist
Reduced range of motion in the hands, wrist, shoulder, neck, or back
Weakness
Tension stress headaches and other stress disorders
The main causes of Computer-Related Ergonomics Problems are:
Awkward and poor posture
Repetitive motions and tasks
Forceful movements
Poor workplace set-up
Sitting in same posture for continuous long hours
Lower back and /or leg support is inadequate
Poor lighting
Documents and monitor screen not at same angle and plane
Keyboard and computer mouse not at same angle and plane
Common Types of Computer-Related Ergonomic Problems:
Cumulative Trauma Disorders of Arm
Ergonomics Problems of the Eye
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Other Ergonomic Problems: Back pain, Fibromyalgia, headaches
How to Solve Computer-Related Ergonomics Problems:

Want to know how to fix these Computer-related Ergonomics Problems, visit our Computer Postures Tips page and Laptop Ergonomics Tips Page for guidelines on proper set up. Computer Accessories Online Store offers exert-reviewed, quality computer accessories and laptop accessories to help you solve your Ergonomics Problems.

Arthritis of the Hand

Fractures within the finger joints

(photo courtesy of AAOS)

from American Academy Orthopedic Surgeons

The hand and wrist have multiple small joints that work together to produce motion. This gives the fine motion needed to thread a needle or tie a shoelace. When the joints are affected by arthritis, activities of daily living can be difficult. Arthritis can occur in multiple areas of the hand and wrist. It can have multiple causes.

It is estimated that one out of every five people living in the United States has at least one joint with signs or symptoms of arthritis. About half of arthritis sufferers are under age 50. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It typically occurs from either disease or trauma. The exact number of people with arthritis in the hand and wrist is not known.

Cause
Cartilage works as nature's "shock absorber." It provides a smooth gliding surface for the joint. All arthritic joints lose cartilage. When the cartilage becomes worn or damaged, or is lost due to disease or trauma, the joint no longer has a painless, mobile area of motion.

The body attempts to make up for the lost cartilage. It produces fluid in the joint lining (synovium), which tries to act like a cushion, like water in a waterbed. But it also causes the joint to swell. This restricts motion. The swelling causes stretching of the joint covering (capsule), which causes pain.

Over time, if the arthritis is not treated, the bones that make up the joint can lose their normal shape. This causes more pain and further limits motion.

Disease
When arthritis occurs due to disease, the onset of symptoms is gradual and the cartilage decreases slowly. The two most common forms of arthritis from disease are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is much more common and generally affects older people. It appears in a predictable pattern in certain joints. Rheumatoid arthritis has other system-wide symptoms and may be passed from parent to child (genetically).

When arthritis is due to trauma, the cartilage is damaged. People of any age can be affected. Fractures, particularly those that damage the joint surface, and dislocations are the most common injuries that lead to arthritis. An injured joint is about seven times more likely to become arthritic, even if the injury is properly treated.

Arthritis does not have to result in a painful or sedentary life. It is important to seek help early so that treatment can begin and you can return to doing what matters most to you.

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Are Cold Hands Normal?

Keep hands warm - Heated Computer Mouse & Mouse Pad

posted by Dr. Brent

Q: My wife has cold hands all the time it seems. Is this something I should be worried about or is it just normal for women (that’s what she says)?

A: While I wouldn’t be so cavalier as to say that all women have cold hands, the complaint is a common one and much more often than not does not indicate that there’s ice flowing through the veins or anything else as cold-hearted or sinister.

When our bodies are exposed to cooler temperatures, the natural defense mechanism is tries to retain heat in the body’s core (where all the important organs are). In order to do this, the tiny peripheral blood vessels in our extremities constrict and limit circulation of blood to these distant parts of the body. Without good blood flow, the fingers, toes, hands, feet, nose and ears can all become cold. The best defense is to keep the body covered so it never has to put this defense mechanism into action.

If there are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (age, history of smoking, diabetes, family history, high cholesterol or high blood pressure), then cold extremities could indicate that there are blockages in the small blood vessels of the hand that are impeding blood flow. If this is the diagnosis, there are some medications that may be useful. Additionally, increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet may also help.

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a symptom associated with several conditions including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and certain medications (estrogen, nicotine, propanolol). When the fingers are exposed to hot or cold conditions, the blood vessels begin to spasm, limiting blood flow and causing the fingertips to turn white or even blue. In addition to feeling as if the hands are cold, Raynaud’s is generally painful. When talking to the doctor, make sure your wife gives a complete history of all symptoms, even if they don’t seem to be related.

Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.