In reading all the healthcare posts and articles, I find myself surprised that with all the rhetoric, I almost never see mentioned the 1 thing virtually all of us could do , Democrats, Republicans and others, to improve the nation's health and reduce healthcare expenses for everyone, rich and poor alike:

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

How many times have you been in a public restroom and seen people just walk out right by the sink without washing after doing their business?

How many times have you been that guy (or girl)?

The spread of disease is aided greatly by whether all we touch is cleaner or dirtier.

Q:What is the dirtiest thing the average person touches in a day?
A: The handle of the gas pump.

Q: What is the dirtiest thing in the average restaurant?
A: The seats.

Q: Want to high-five me or shake my hand?
A: When is the last time you washed them>

With winter coming, take a moment to do the right thing each day from now on..for the rest of your life...WASH YOUR HANDS!

**this has been an unpaid public service announcement. No government money or program was involved. Merely common sense and concern for the health of fellow citizens and visitors.

I don't think this is true.

If you're in a hospital, especially if you're a surgeon, absolutely. Otherwise, it doesn't strike me as something that would meaningfully reduce healthcare costs.

To some extent, I agree.

And to answer the question, yes, I do wash my hands before leaving a rest room.

It's not as if just touching someone will spread an illness. However, when a lot of people are sick (as is the case the past few weeks), people are coughing, covering their mouths as they do so, same with sneezing. We all handle doors every day, put hands on escalator railings, push elevator buttons, shake hands greeting one another.

I will sometimes, after being out of the person's presence (eyesight), wash my hands as quickly as possible after shaking someone's hand, at least if I think they're sick themselves or there's something else that makes me want to do so.

It's a good practice, they require it of people in the food industry.

They teach it in kindergarten.

It doesn't mean you're evil if you don't. But it is good, common sense.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_Semmelweis

(11-14-2013 11:33 AM)JSA Wrote:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_Semmelweis

Interesting. Chlorinated Lime Solution and beaten to death at 47 after recommending people wash their hands. To quote DeNiro: I can relate "just a little bit"! Will be looking over my shoulder for Joe Pesci now. Thanks for the link, JSA!