The goal of National Handwashing Awareness Week is to empower millions of people around the world that together we can decrease the spread of infectious diseases by practicing a few simple behaviors. 

     In order to accomplish this goal, we need your involvement to help spread the word not the germs! The first step is to share this link with everyone you know and care about.  The second step is to follow our recommendations. 

       Schools are closing, we have a national emergency on our hands, illness is sweeping through workplaces, and our health is at risk.  What are YOU doing to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illnesses?

       Imagine a world free of respiratory illnesses.  Fear is rendering people feeling powerless, unless you receive a vaccination to prevent the disease. Although this is far from the truth, as you have the ability to prevent yourself from giving yourself a respiratory illness. Most parents are afraid of their children getting sick and then themselves! 

    Fortunately for you, Dr. Will and Henry the Hand Foundation  promote TRUE infection prevention techniques that are proven to reduce the spread of respiratory and gastro-intestinal illnesses.  These techniques will keep our schools in session, create a healthier, safer home environment, and will increase employee productivity in our workplaces!   

Personal accountability is a huge component of the infection prevention puzzle.     

      Responsible individuals in homes, schools, work facilities, and all industries -- healthcare, food service to name a few -- understand the importance of preventing the spread of diseases.  Think back to your last respiratory or gastro-intestinal illness. You could not wait to be healthy again and promised yourself you would not repeat the same behavior that caused it.  Are your spirits better when you are sick or healthy?  Are you more productive during your day when you are sick or healthy?  Our School Kit, Hospital Kit and Home Kit are designed to simplify infection prevention teachings and applicable to your sphere of influence.  In a world where complexity is king, we are simplifying what you really need to know in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease and reduce fear of pandemic.

  Applied knowledge is power.

     Armed with the Infection Prevention Tools and the understanding of the 4 Principles of Hand Awareness, a simple philosophy, it's easier than ever before to spread the word not the germs.  Another tool Dr.Will recommends is our Infection Prevention e-News targeting specific techniques and updates.This eNews is about simplifying, reducing, interpreting, and consolidating lengthy medical reports and jargon-filled health information into practical knowledge that everyone can apply. Trying to decipher what you really need to know can be tedious?  Our specialty is providing the practical information you need.  Dr. Will Sawyer is an international expert of infection prevention techniques. In his eNews, he will tell you what is really going on in infection prevention around the world AND how you can apply this knowledge in your community.  Together, we can ensure a healthier environment for our friends and family from respiratory and gastro-intestinal diseases. As we humans are the petri-dish that perpetuate all types of illnesses.  Let’s do ourselves, our friends, families, and co-workers a favor, just by practicing the acquired knowledge and raising their Hand Awareness. 

    Why Handwashing is NOT the only key component to infection prevention in this complex environment in which we live:

     Most of us know that handwashing is one of the best ways to safeguard against illness.  As CDC and Prevention states that “handwashing is the single most important method for preventing infectious disease” .What many fail to realize is that handwashing is  only a single act for your hands which then can be re-contaminated by the simple inadvertent touch of a contaminated surface (doorknob, side rail, counter top, chart, drinking fountain, chair, desk top, faucet handle etc.).  In reality most sick individuals gave themselves the illness that plagues them!  When we touch our “T-Zone” we are giving ourselves infectious diseases that we came in contact with earlier in our day.  If you feel you MUST touch your eyes, nose, or mouth use a clean implement like a tissue.

Why Flu vaccines are not TRUE primary infection prevention techniques:

      There are some benefits to flu vaccines.  Flu vaccines have the potential to lower our reaction to a virus that we have “given” ourselves.  When we receive Flu vaccines we receive a small dose of a flu virus or component of a flu virus.  Flu vaccines do NOT prevent us from giving ourselves the Flu!  If the strand of flu created for the vaccine differs from the flu germs we give ourselves, then we will still have a strong, adverse reaction to that virus.  If we’ve received a flu vaccine, we can still give ourselves the flu if we put our hands in the T-Zone!  Practice the 4th principle of Hand Awareness and “Don’t Touch the T-Zone” for better health!

Taking ownership for our health instead of leaving our health in the “hands of Experts”:

    We tend to naturally gravitate towards the opinions and advice of experts who give us a “quick fix”.  The reality of flu vaccine production is that each year experts attempt to forecast which strains of flu will circulate.  There is no guarantee that the annual flu vaccine created will match the flu viruses that circulate!  It’s an educated guess. Last year we missed the strain and the flu vaccine was not as effective as it could have been. TRUE infection prevention calls for taking ownership of and accountability for our own health and the well-being of those around us! National Handwashing Awareness Week 2009 aims to put the power in your hands to positively impact yourself and the community you influence.    

      So PLEASE, “Lend us your hand” in our campaign!