Handy tips on hand sanitizers

MANILA, Philippines - Most people assume a good hygiene is all about following three simple rules: regular bathing, teeth brushing thrice a day, and frequent hand washing. While the first two can easily be done, the third can be a little challenging, especially if you are always on the go.

The best solution for this is a hand sanitizer. To further understand your hand sanitizers, separate the fiction from fact by debunking some of the most common myths.

Myth: Hand sanitizers are not effective in killing germs.

Fact: Hand sanitizers, which contain the FDA-recommended 65-percent alcohol content are effective in killing flu viruses, making people less vulnerable to catch the flu through direct hand contact. Research has shown that hand sanitizers should be used not only by those who want to protect themselves from getting the virus but also by those who already have the virus. This will prevent them from spreading it further to others.

Myth: Homemade sanitizers are better than commercially-made sanitizer solutions.

Fact: One can now easily find homemade recipes for lotions, cleaning solutions, and even for hand sanitizers. However, the recommended alcohol content for hand sanitizers is at least 65 percent, a number that most homemade hand sanitizers fail to meet. To truly protect your kids, make sure you buy a trusted hand sanitizer brand.

When buying a hand sanitizer, choose Puregel and Bactigel. Products of Kohl Industries, Inc., Puregel and Bactigel hand sanitizers contain the highest recommended alcohol content at 68 percent, effectively eliminating 99.9 percent of disease-causing bacteria.

Bactigel, the clear standard in hand cleaning solutions, is the most commonly used sanitizer in leading hospitals nationwide. Puregel comes in four scent variants: Lemon Meringue, Frost Berry, Spring Breeze, and Crisp Apple Bite.

Puregel and Bactigel hand sanitizers are now available at all Mercury Drug, National Book Store, SM Supermarket, SM Savemore, SM Hypermart, Robinsons Supermarket, Shopwise, and Rustan’s outlets nationwide.