The World Health Organisation (WHO) organised Hand Hygiene Day on the 5^th and 7^th of May this year.

It called for healthcare facilities to create their own action plan based on using the WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework. WHO prepared 3 Template Action Plans – inadequate/basic results, intermediate results or advanced/leadership results to help facilitate the development of individual action plans. Participants were then called to share their hand hygiene activities in support of SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands, on their own web pages. You can see some of the results here.

While the activities by WHO were mainly targeted at healthcare organisations, here are a few interesting facts about and tips for the importance of good hand hygiene in everyday settings.

An article in Parenting Australia reported that*:

• 59% of Aussie households only change their kitchen cleaning cloth when it gets too dirty and smelly (46%) or ragged and worn out (13%).
• Only 23% of adults use an antibacterial soap or hand wash.
• 47% of people don’t always cover their mouth when they cough and only 10% use the health department recommended alternative of their elbow if they cough or sneeze.
• 36% of national households believe they would fail an independent cleanliness test (11% of which said they would fail miserably).
• 1 in 10 admitted to having used the same cleaning cloth in the bathroom and kitchen once or twice.
• 54% of Aussies never or only once a year disinfect their home from top to bottom.
• 55% say their home is not as clean as they would like because they don’t have enough time, 31% hate cleaning and 21% said why bother because it doesn’t stay clean for long.

Here are some tips for us all to adopt good hand hygiene habits:

• Wash your hands regularly especially before and after eating, after going to the toilet and when you first get home.
• Use targeted disinfection on surfaces.*
• Clean contaminated surfaces with products that kill germs.*
• On frequently touched surfaces a spray disinfectant can be used that kills the common cold and flu virus and helps prevent it from spreading further.
• Use more hygienic disposable wipes instead of household sponges.*
• Cover noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing and remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.*
• Remember to use good hygiene practice while and after being outdoors.
• Hand sanitisers can offer fast germ protection and are suitable for those occasions when you aren’t able to wash your hands.
• Use a tissue instead of a handkerchief and dispose of it immediately after use. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.*

*(Source, Germwatch Study, Galaxy Research)

Read the original article at Parenting Australia

Ethanol is a type of alcohol. Alcohol is an effective germ-killing agent that has been used for many centuries.¹ Alcohol has been proven to kill germs such as bacteria².

Ethanol kills bacteria by denaturing proteins in the cell membrane, disrupting cell activity and eventually leading to cell death.

You will find ethanol in Aqium Hand Sanitisers, which kill 99.99% of germs fast. Aqium is a quick and convenient way to sanitise your hands on the go because it is non sticky and air dries quickly so you don’t need to wash, rinse or dry your hands. Aqium also contains moisturisers to help leave your hands soft.

1. Larson EL, Morton HE. Alcohols. In S. S. Block, editors.: Disinfectants and Antiseptics. A. By Chemical Type. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1991. p.191-203.

2. Ansari SA, Sattar SA, Springthorpe VS, Wells GA, Tostowaryk W. In vivo protocol for testing efficacy of hand-washing agents against viruses and bacteria: experiments with rotavirus and Escherichia coli. Appl Environ Microbiol 1989; 55 (12): 3113–3118

Vitamin E is a well known antioxidant that helps prevent the formation of free radicals upon skin exposure to UVA rays and other sources of skin stress. It helps protect the epidermis from the early stages of ultraviolet light damage. Vitamin E also reduces transepidermal water loss from the skin and helps improve the skin’s barrier function.

Vitamin E has been used topically since 1945.  Since then it has been found to help with resolution of fibrositic lesions[1], protect from UV induced skin redness[2]^,[3] and roughness[4], improve the appearance of age spots, increase elasticity and skin barrier function[5], and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.[6]

[2] Potapenko AY, Abieva GA and Pliquett F: Inhibition of erythema of the skin photosensitizes with 8-methoxypsoralene by a-tocopherol. Bull Exp Biol Med 1980; 89:611-615.,

[3] Dreher F, Denig N, Gabard B, Schwindt DA and Maibach HI: Effect of topical antioxidants on UV-induced erythema formation when administered after exposure. Dermatology 1999; 198:52-55.

[4] Möller H, Ansmann A and Wallat S: The effects of Vitamin E on the skin in topical applications.  Lecture presented at the DGF Vitamin E symposium in Bochum, March 4, 1989.

[5] Idson B: Vitamins in emolliency and moisturizing preparations Cosmetics and Toiletries 1976; 93(8):77-79.,

[6] Mayer P: The effects of vitamin E on the skin. Cosmetics and Toiletries 1993; 108:99-109.,

Asthma is a common chronic condition of the airways.¹ People with asthma experience episodes of wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness due to widespread narrowing of the airways.¹ The symptoms of asthma are usually reversible, either with or without treatment.¹ The severity of asthma ranges from mild, intermittent symptoms, causing few problems for the individual, to severe and persistent wheezing and shortness of breath.¹ In a few people with asthma the disease has a severe adverse impact on quality of life and may be life-threatening.¹

While the underlying causes of asthma are still not well understood, there are a number of factors that may increase the risk of developing asthma.¹

Among those with the condition, airway narrowing and symptoms can be triggered by¹:

• viral infections
• exercise
• exposure to specific allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mould spores and animal dander
• irritants such as tobacco smoke and other air pollutants, some food additives.
• occupational exposure to specific allergens and irritants such as dust and fumes

World Asthma Day seeks to reduce the impact of asthma by raising awareness and money for this chronic condition that affects over 2 million Australians.² One of the activities is PJ Day.

Did you know that each year, 1 million school days are lost to asthma, and up to 3,000 new cases of asthma develop in the workplace? ² Every day many Aussie kids and adults stay home from school or work because they are unwell with asthma symptoms.²

You are encouraged to wear your Pyjamas during the month of May to raise awareness of World Asthma Day on May 1, 2012.

For more details, visit www.asthmafoundation.org.au

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. What is Asthma? [online]. 2011 [cited 18 April 2012]. Available from URL: http://www.aihw.gov.au/what-is-asthma/

2.Asthma Foundation. PJ Day [online]. [cited 18 April 2012]. Available from URL: http://www.asthmafoundation.org.au/pjday.aspx

Wound Awareness Week, 26-30 March 2012, is a national campaign designed to raise public and professional awareness of issues and approaches to wound management, best practice in wound management and where the public can go for help. This year, the Australian Wound Management Association focuses on leg ulcers, with the campaign aiming to petition the Australian Government regarding the cost associated with management venous leg ulcers.

Leg ulcers refer to full thickness skin loss on the leg or foot due to any cause.¹ They occur in association with a range of disease processes, most commonly with blood circulation diseases.¹ Age, varicose veins, smoking and arterial disease increase the risk of leg ulcers.² Treatment options include compression bandages, dressings and surgery.² Keeping the affected leg elevated above the level of the heart can help.²

For more information on Wound Awareness Week, visit www.awma.com.au/pages/wac.php

1. DermNet NZ. Leg Ulcers [online]. 2012 [cited 20 March 2012]. Available from URL: http://dermnetnz.org/site-age-specific/leg-ulcers.html
2. Better Health Channel. Leg Ulcers [online]. 2012 [cited 20 March 2012]. Available from URL: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Leg_ulcers?open

Your skin protects you – it acts as a protective barrier against allergens, dirt and common irritants… but what protects your skin?

Silic 15 acts like an invisible pair of gloves, preventing contact between skin and potential irritants, soothing the surface and helping to protect already damaged skin. Silic 15 forms a barrier to shield your skin from water, detergents, chemicals and other irritants. Silic 15 helps prevent skin dryness, blisters, chafing, napkin and dribble rashes, and is suitable for use
with eczema and dermatitis.

Silic 15 is available as a protective cream and lotion that are non-sticky, non-greasy and don’t leave a waxy residue on the skin. The moisturising base helps to rehydrate skin and prevent moisture loss. Silic 15 is pH-balanced, has
a low-irritant formulation and is free of lanolin and perfume, making it suitable for sensitive areas of the body. It also helps to prevent bedsores and assists with protecting traumatised skin from further irritation.

There are many myths around regarding head lice which can be very confusing for parents when it comes to separating fact from fiction. Let’s dispel some of these myths and arm you with the facts.

Myth: A head lice infestation is a sign of poor personal hygiene.
They prefer dirty hair.
Fact: It is not a sign of poor hygiene and is nothing for your child to feel embarrassed about. They don’t discriminate and don’t care if hair was washed this morning or last week.

Myth: Kids can catch head lice from the family pet.
Fact: Not possible. Head lice are human parasites and must feed on us to survive. They are not interested in your pet. They can’t live without a human host as the typical louse dehydrates and dies anywhere between 6 and 24 hours when away from the scalp.

Myth: Lice can be caught by jumping from head to head.
Fact: They are unable to hop, jump, or fly at all – they are transmitted by close personal contact with an infested person’s head or by sharing head gear like caps and hats, brushes and combs or even headsets worn by an infested person OR which have come in contact with an infested person’s head.

Myth: The only way I can make sure the lice have been exterminated is if
I disinfect all the bedding.
Fact: You do not need to wash bedding to eradicate head lice. A lot of parents feel more comfortable washing the sheets, and this is not a problem – we all love clean sheets!

Myth: One treatment will get rid of my head lice.
Fact: It is difficult to kill all the head lice and eggs present when the infestation
is first treated because of the life cycle of the louse. You need to follow the instructions of your treatment very carefully. Eggs can hatch between treatments so repeat treatments are necessary to break the head lice life cycle and kill any newly hatched head lice. Conditioner and fine tooth combing is a recommended strategy between treatments to help detect and manually remove lice and eggs.

Myth: I hear that head lice have become resistant to all forms of treatment so there is no point in buying de-lousing products.
Fact: Head lice resistance to some insecticides is common around the world, making these treatments ineffective. If live head lice are still present after correctly applied treatment, the head lice may be resistant to that particular product. MOOV Head Lice Solution has a volatile active.* Once the product is washed from the hair, any residual Eucalyptus oil will rapidly volatilise from the hair.* This should prevent the emergence of resistant strains of lice, thus helping to maintain the efficacy of MOOV Head Lice Solution*.

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*Greive KG,  Rowe J, Oppenheim J. Where is the Evidence for Treating Head Lice . The Australian Journal of Pharmacy 2008; 89: 52-56

MOOV Head Lice Defence Spray is designed to provide 8-hours protection from head lice. The spray makes the hair unpleasant to lice, while conditioning the hair. The unique formulation of MOOV Head Lice Defence Spray coats the hair in a film that deters lice from transferring from an infected head to that of the MOOV Head Lice Defence Spray user.

MOOV Head Lice Defence Spray is applied as a leave in conditioner and can be sprayed into hair daily to help defend against head lice.

How to Use
Step 1 Apply a minimum of 6 sprays to dry hair, including application at the nape
of the neck and behind the ears.

Step 2 Comb hair to ensure the spray has evenly covered hair

Step 3 Do not rinse from hair.

Step 4 For best results, apply daily or as required.

Terbinafine hydrochloride is an anti-fungal which diffuses rapidly into the skin from topical applications and effectively treats athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Terbinafine hydrochloride interferes with the integrity and growth of the fungal cell wall by weakening the cell wall and eventually leading to fungal cell death.

SolvEasy Tinea Cream contains 1% Terbinafine Hydrochloride, and effectively treat athlete’s foot with a once a day application for 7 days.

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Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist please see your healthcare professional.

Athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itch of affected areas. It is caused by fungi and is typically transmitted in moist areas where people walk barefoot, such as showers or bathhouses.

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and are commonly found in shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms and public showers.  They can be ‘picked
up and passed on’ whenever the skin comes in contact with fungi living in these places.  Some people are more prone to fungal infections i.e. people with weakened immune system or diabetes or people on antibiotic or oral steroids.

Using SolvEasy Tinea Cream is the quick and easy way to treat tinea.
This effective formulation binds to the skin and continues to act on tinea for days after the last application, to help clear the infection while relieving itchiness. Use SolvEasy once a day for 7 days to effectively treat athlete’s foot.

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Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist please see your healthcare professional.

Not recommended for children under 12 years.

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, seek medical advice before using this product.