One lesson you should take away from ‘Contagion’

(ARA) – If you’ve seen the movie or trailer for “Contagion,” or you’re thinking ahead to the winter germ season, chances are you may be placing a little more priority on hand hygiene and wellness these days. While it’s not always good to take life lessons away from what you see on the big screen, health experts agree that hand hygiene is one of the best steps you can take to prevent yourself from getting sick.

Hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of common illnesses, food-borne pathogens and other communicable diseases related to the passing of germs. By cleaning your hands frequently, you can be sure you’re doing all you can to make it through the peak season for many common ailments without getting sick.

We’ve all been told that hand washing is important, but it’s not always easy to remember – or take the time – to wash your hands properly. So now is as good a time as any to review the guidelines for proper hand washing as laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Of course, there are times you need to wash your hands but you aren’t anywhere near a sink. In that case, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, such as PURELL. Pump bottles, portable options, sanitizing wipes and sprays are all offered by PURELL, so you can have hand sanitizer available whenever and however you need it.

“Learning the simple steps of everyday good hand hygiene will make it routine during the germ season,” says Kathleen Hooker, Global PURELL Brand Director. “Global health organizations promote hand hygiene because four out of five diseases are spread by contact with humans. It’s easy, and learning a song to go with it, can make it fun, too.”

By paying special attention to hand hygiene, you’ll give yourself the best chance to make it through the fall, winter and spring happy and healthy. For more information on the different types of PURELL hand sanitizer products available, visit www.purell.com.