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Wash Your Hands Before Returning
To The Mic … & Other Cold Stoppers
By Peter Drew
Peter Drew Voice-Overs
© 2008 Peter Drew
 As we all know, there is still no cure for the common cold, but there are a few things you can try to reduce a cold's severity. 1. At the first sign of a cold, try Oregacillin from Physician's Strength. The active ingredient has been isolated from Greek oregano oil, which has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. A Johns Hopkins study showed that the active ingredient in Oregacillin kills viruses better than pharmaceutical antivirals. I use it, and it does seem to prevent a cold from getting worse and cuts the time a cold hangs around.
2. Try nasal irrigation and zinc. For info on nasal irrigation, visit this site: www.ent-consult.com/#nose-and-sinusitis From what I've heard, zinc lozenges are much less effective than zinc ointment that is put inside the nostrils. 3. Gargle with salt water. Recent research indicates that much of a cold's infection actually resides in your throat. Gargling with salt water can help clear out that infection.
Ironically, over-the-counter cold products and decongestants dry up mucous production, which can actually prolong a cold because there is no mucous to carry away the infection and products of the body's immune response to the cold.
WASH YOUR HANDS!
If you're prone to catching colds, then a good defense is necessary. Penn Gilette of Penn and Teller fame says that since he went on the road with their act years ago, he's become a fanatical hand washer. He avoids shaking hands with people whenever possible, and if he does shake hands with someone, he's very careful not to touch his face until he can wash his hands.
He admits this sounds obsessive, but he can't afford a cold that will prevent him from working.
HERE’S THE SOAP …
On hand washing, stay away from the antibacterial hand sanitizers you can pick up at the supermarket or drug store. Most of them contain triclosan, an antibacterial that has been linked to creating more resistant bacteria, and they don't have enough alcohol to kill viruses, which actually cause a cold.
The only hand sanitizers that kill enough bacteria and viruses to be of value are the ones containing 60% or more of alcohol.
But the best way to sanitize hands is with simple soap and water. Work up a good lather and wash rub your hands for at least 20 seconds and then rinse. Clean under your fingernails while washing, too.
Peter Drew, a freelance voice-over talent and copywriter/producer with decades of experience, is heard on radio and television stations, corporate presentations, web sites, and messages-on-hold across America and countries around the world. To send an email regarding this article, please visit Peter Drew Voiceovers at www.peterdrewvo.com. |
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