Wash Your Hands: Dirty Truth About Germs, Viruses and Epidemics...and the Simple Ways to Protect Yourself in a Dangerous World

by Frédéric Saldmann

Did you know that the brown spots on apples are carcinogenic? That gardening can lead to Legionnaire’s disease? That a toothbrush can pass on the hepatitis virus, or that an improperly cared-for cavity can endanger your heart? These health risks—the very real results of diminished attention to personal hygiene, especially hand-washing—crop up in every part of daily life, from working and eating out to staying in and spending time around the house. Some threaten us not only on an individual level, but a global one as well. From allergies to the possibility of an avian flu pandemic, Dr. Frédéric Saldmann examines in detail the many dangers that may lie in wait and sets out simple measures for keeping them at a safe distance—his number one mandate being washing your hands as often and as thoroughly as possible.A nationally recognized expert in his native France, Dr. Saldmann introduces readers to new studies that show the incredible range of germs transmitted by our hands in the most commonplace interactions. This book not only concerns the bacterial dangers of bad hygiene, but presents a panoramic survey of health-endangering practices, rumors, and fears amok on the contemporary scene, offering a compendium of answers, advice, and condensed research in a single, handy reference. Other features include sections on psychological health and beating bad habits and on epidemics and worldwide health scares.Dr. Saldmann combines scientific study and practical advice in this veritable handbook for the personal hygiene our times demand. Rich in research, anecdotes, and unexpected humor, Wash Your Hands!, is a no-nonsense manual that is imperative to our daily lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

193 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a book for germophobes! I stopped reading when I realized I would have to apply hand sanitizer 102 times a day for the rest of my life if I finished it....

[BlaireReadsTheThings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dude was like a prophet. He predicted a coming pandemic, but he thought it would be avian flu. He predicted a SARS pandemic could occur as well. This was a little more on the nose since the virus that causes SARS is a coronavirus. Don't bother reading this if you are squeamish. You will drive yourself crazy trying to sanitize!

[Allanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is probably the most boring book I've read all summer.

Not that it isn't full of good medical advice. It is. (Which is why I'm giving it TWO stars.)

But the writing ... dull, rather clunky, and slightly condescending.

It makes me wonder if the author's first language is not English.

And, yes, I'm being really harsh.

On the bright side, it's a good cure for insomnia!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paranonia inducing - but so much that I ended up apathetic. The dangers of organic apples! The dangers of non-organic apples! The dangers of lettuce, shellfish, meat!