cleanthoughts Hand Hygiene As A First Publisher Matt Gallinger mgallinger @ ntpmedia.com Associate Publisher Micah Ogburn mogburn @ ntpmedia.com Editorial Director Rich DiPaolo rdipaolo @ ntpmedia.com Managing Editor Aaron Baunee abaunee @ ntpmedia.com Assistant Editor Amanda Martini-Hughes [email protected] Account Executives Susan Pierce spierce @ ntpmedia.com Pat Harrington [email protected] Art Director Marty Harris marty @ grandviewmedia.com ext. 3159 ext. 3179 DEFENSE U Unlike various hunting seasons in North America that have set opening and clos-ing dates, there are no specific junctures when it comes to flu season. Typically, the influenza virus begins affecting unlucky hosts in early October — around the time the leaves begin to turn colors reminiscent of summertime campfires. Although the virus generally peaks in January and continues through April, it’s longevity and vehemence varies depending on which region in which you find yourself. The influenza virus thrives in colder weather — when people tend to congre-gate indoors and increase the likelihood of transmission. As was reported in a recent survey from Staples Advantage, nearly 70 percent of employees admit to coming into the office while sick. It is estimated that the influenza virus has an over $80 billion impact on the economy each year in terms of, among other things, medical treatment and lost workdays. There are many things you can do to minimize your risk of falling victim, includ-ing disinfecting high touch surfaces, mini-mizing hand-to-face contact, distancing yourself from sick individuals and getting an annual flu vaccine. But, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper and frequent handwashing is the single most effective way to beat the virus. When soap and water are not available, instant hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative to washing. (516) 404-4532 ext. 3157 With flu season inching nearer, the role hand hygiene plays in keeping people healthy needs to be stressed. However, sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs or viruses, and just because you have applied an instant hand sanitizer does not mean that potentially harmful pathogens are not still present. As such, it is my, yours and everyone else’s responsibility to spread the word about proper hand hygiene and how it can keep you healthy this flu season. ext. 3154 (256) 715-0342 ext. 3153 Director of Business Operations Michael Perkins mperkins @ ntpmedia.com ext. 3133 Ad Materials Manager Rebecca Wilson [email protected] CMI ® Administrative Manager Sharon Hillis shillis @ ntpmedia.com ext. 3137 ext. 3165 Editorial, Advertising & Publishing Offices NTP Media, division of What is the proper handwashing technique? According to the CDC, you should: ■ Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap ■ Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails ■ Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds — roughly the time it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice ■ Rinse your hands well under running water ■ Dry your hands using a clean towel or high-speed air dry. CM 19BritishAmericanBlvdWest•Latham,NY12110-6405 (518) 783-1281 FAX: (518) 783-1386 Subscription Questions or Inquiries Toll Free (866) 721-4807 Outside U.S. (847) 763-1867 or email [email protected] Subscribe / Renew / Change of Address: http://www.cmmonline.com/subscribe Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to: Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 Corporate General Manager Barry Lovette [email protected] Vice President of Operations [email protected] Brent Kizzire Chief Marketing Officer, Publishing Services Group [email protected] Hank Brown Vice President of Business Publishing [email protected] Tracy Aston-Martin Vice President of Finance [email protected] Brad Youngblood Director of Circulation & Fulfillment [email protected] Delicia Poole Circulation Manager Stacie Tubb [email protected] Aaron Baunee, managing editor Send comments or thoughts on this topic or any other article that appears in CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® magazine, to [email protected]. Honorary Advisory Board: Mike Adams, Greenfield, IN; Stephen Ashkin, Bloomington, IN; Jim Brewer, Arlington, TX; Laura Dellutri, Lenexa, KS; Ron Goerne, Bloomington, IL; Russell Kendzior, Southlake, TX; Don McNulty, Blue Springs, MO; Bob Merkt, West Bend, WI. CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online™ Service at www.cmmonline.com 4 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • October 2011
CMM – Archives Oct 2011: 4
