We’re finally heading into spring and out of cold and flu season. Have you survived the winter without getting sick? If so, hooray! If not, you might want to learn a secret or two from Gene Stone, author of The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick.
As someone who is constantly sick throughout winter, spring, summer, and fall, I’m probably the last person who should be sharing their secret. But believe it or not, I do have a secret to not getting (as) sick: hand sanitizer.
Wait! My secret isn’t to use hand sanitizer, it’s to not use it. The idea was planted in my brain when I first moved to New York City. My friend would compulsively squeeze a drop of Purell into her hands before, during, and after every subway ride we took. At first, I held out my hand every time I saw her reach into her bag, but I quickly stopped using hand sanitizer when we both came down with swine flu in early October.
Now I completely ignore hand sanitizer when I see it. Using it before dinner? Nah. Cleaning every nook and cranny of my hands after riding public transportation? Pssh. (Although there are exceptions: If you’re playing with your friend’s pet mouse right before a meal, it might be a good idea to erase any and all germs on your hands.)
Is my secret based on fact? Not at all! It’s just a connection I made four years ago that may or may not have actually existed. My theory (disclaimer: I know next to nothing about health or science) is that hand sanitizer kills good germs along with the not-so-good ones, making you more susceptible when the big bad monster germs hit.
Hey! This idea is raised by a legitimate source in the video below. Maybe I know more about science than I thought I did!
Check out the YouTube clip below for a sneak peek at Gene Stone’s secrets. I know I will definitely not be trying the cold shower theory—only when the hot water heater in my apartment building is broken. But according to my mother, I ate dirt when I was a baby, so maybe I can get back in the habit.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekk8UR3_yHY
As for my secret? It works for me, but it might not work for you. Especially if you’re a germophobe. Then disregard everything I’ve just said.
-Elizabeth
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