handshake and corona virus
Preventive Health

Health Benefits of the Indian Namaste

The epidemic of coronavirus is spreading through handshakes!!!

Handshake is one of the oldest and widely used forms of greetings across the West. People in that part of the globe consider it as bad manners not to shake hands!! It’s an age-old custom running through generations.

And now, Indians too are forgetting the traditional Namaste and extending their hands for a handshake.

But in reality, handshakes are nothing but the human version of dog-butt sniffing.

Michigan State University conducted a study on hand-washing practices. It revealed only 5% of people wash their hands after using public restrooms. While 15% of men and 7% of women don’t wash up at all. How nasty is that!!!

Only two-third men wash their hands after using the loo.

That means they carry bacteria and germs from the washroom in their hands. How gross is that!!!

Even if a proportion of people wash their hands after the loo, they do it all wrong!!!

Washing hands with only water won’t kill the bacteria. Washing hands with soap in a jiffy is of no use either!!!

It takes 20 seconds of handwashing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases

But do people really follow this rule? Who knows? Nobody is checking?

Another study revealed that the typical human hand carries 3,200 bacteria from 150 species. The human hand commonly carries faecal bacteria. And those suffering from cold and flu transmits mucus dripping from their nose. The hand can also pass on other germs and viruses.

Cold and flu too pass through handshakes. This gentle gesture of friendship can also transmit parasites like scabies, and bacteria like Staphylococcus

Coronavirus spreads through a handshake

Experts have revealed that coronavirus can live on a human hand for 10 minutes. 

And handshakes are one sure-fire way through which this disease spreads. Shaking hands with an infected person can transmit the virus to a healthy person.

 5 Diseases that spread through a handshake

Diarrhoea: Diarrhea is caused by a mix of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If a person does not wash their hands after using the washroom then their hands might carry traces of these viruses or bacteria. They can easily pass on the germs to another person through a not so healthy handshake.

HPV: HPV, the Human Papilloma Virus is one of the most commonly transmitted viruses via sex. This infection can cause genital warts. It can even lead to cancer of the cervix. These viruses can spread through sexual contact, but they can also spread through a simple handshake with the suffering patient.

Herpes: Herpes is another dreadful sexually transmitted disease. It causes severe genital pain and sores. The sores contain the virus. If the person infected touches the sores then the germs can get on their hands. This can then pass to other parts of their body. The living microbes on the infected person’s hand can also pass to another person through a handshake.

Hepatitis A: This is an infection of the liver. The virus can spread from the faeces, particularly when people don’t wash their hands after doing the job. This infection passes on through contaminated food, water, and hands carrying the virus. 

Eye Infection: Conjunctivitis is one common eye infection that’s highly communicable. The fluid that comes from the infected eye gets rubbed by the hands which then touches a zillion things infecting everything around.

Indian Namaste to fight coronavirus

Time and again Ayurveda has highlighted the significance of Namaste. And now even the West is bowing down to this traditional custom. 

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu urged to adapt the Indian Namaste to fight coronavirus. He was quoted saying, “small steps like adopting the ‘Indian Namaste’ could help in controlling the spread of coronavirus.”

Israel has confirmed 17 cases of coronavirus. But there has not been any case of death so far. However, about 7,000 people have been home quarantined.

In India, the fear of coronavirus is spreading faster than the disease. A few confirmed cases of coronavirus across the country have stirred the fears.  

Stopping the spread of coronavirus

Handshakes are one of the many ways through which this virus transmits. And avoiding handshakes is one way to stop it from spreading.

But coronavirus can also spread through other mediums. 

On a metal surface, the virus can live for 12 hours. And on fabrics, it can live for 9 hours. We can’t avoid contact with everything around. So, the best way to beat coronavirus is by washing your hands with warm water and soap very frequently. 

The right way to Wash Your Hands

Washing hands and brushing teeth are some of the basic things we do every day. Yet, most of us do it wrong!!!

So, here is the right way to wash your hands to kill all the bacteria and germs breeding there.

Wash your hands in running water with an anti-bacterial soap. Use can use Ayurvedic Neem soaps to solve the purpose. Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Don’t just wash your palms but cleanse the outer side of your hands too. Rinse and dry!!!

Do it often to stay safe!

Say hello to Hand sanitizers

While hand wash is effective but it is not always feasible.

You can’t wash your hands in public places where the chances of germ transmission are maximum.

Neither can you get up from your desk every 10 minutes to wash your hands?

So, the best solution in this scenario is to use a herbal hand sanitizer.

Himalaya Pure Hands Hand Sanitizer is a good pick!

Himalaya Pure Hands Hand Sanitizer is prepared with natural products. This herbal sanitizer kills the germs and bacteria while keeping the softness of your skin intact. 

Using a natural solution offers even greater benefits. It boosts your immunity and helps in improving your overall health.

Plus, hand sanitizers come in a mini pack that easily fits in your bag. 

The right way to use Himalaya Pure Hands Hand Sanitizer

Take a tiny amount of the sanitizing solution on your hands. Rub it on both sides and spread around the surface. Wait till it dry and don’t rinse or wipe!

 You can also make your own herbal DIY Hand sanitizer at home!!!!

DIY Herbal Hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are a must this season. With the epidemic of coronavirus thwarting life across the globe, you need to make your safety a priority.

But if you don’t want to shell out your pockets in buying herbal sanitizers then here is the good part!

You can make your own all-natural and super-effective hand sanitizer at home with simple and easily available ingredients. 

All you need is a few essential oils, aloe vera and a bottle.  

  1. Take 2-3 tablespoons of Aloe vera in a bowl and blend it properly. 
  2. Add a few drops of essential oil of your liking. Choose the one that is mild and effective in killing bacteria.
  3. Mix it well and then transfer it to a bottle.

Your DIY Hand sanitizer is ready to use!!!

Aloe vera hydrates and nourishes the skin, without drying it out. You can also add vitamin E oil to this mix to increase its benefits and prolong its shelf life.

9 Things you must know about coronavirus!!!

  • Coronavirus can spread through saliva, hands and other contacts.
  • Coronavirus can cause cold, fever, respiratory disorders, organ failures and even death.
  • Having a strong immunity can help fight the disease.
  • Sipping hot water can prevent its entry into the lungs.
  • Coronavirus cannot live in hot areas. 
  • No vaccination is available for COVID-19.
  • This virus is not transmitted by air.
  • Gargling with warm water and salt can prevent coronavirus.
  • Pregnant women, aged persons and children are at maximum risk.

Precautions to care!

  • Avoid unprotected contact with live animals.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands after contact with animals.
  • Cook meat thoroughly before consumption.
  • Stay at a safe distance from people coughing and sneezing.
  • Wear a mask
  • Avoid crowded gatherings.
  • Eat home-cooked hygienic food
  • Stay away from cold food.
  • Drinking hot water and soak some sunshine.
  • Do not share utensils, towels, food.
  • Use herbal immune boosters to fight it well.

Conclusion: Ditch the Handshake

When it comes to safety, simple and careful steps can prove to be life-saving. In this hour of crisis, make sure you take proper care to boost your immunity. Eat healthily. Stay rested. Sleep well. Use toilet sanitizers in public toilets. Get some exercise. And keep your hygiene game at peak!!!

Be safe this season!

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10 comments

VANITHA G March 7, 2020 at 5:10 pm

🙏🏾 thank you sir, was expecting and waiting for this write up..

Reply
Dr. Brahmanand Nayak March 8, 2020 at 7:53 am

thank you madam

Reply
Antony E Henry March 8, 2020 at 9:23 am

It’s a tight ‘thappad’ on the most common western culture. Well written Sir.

Reply
Dr. Brahmanand Nayak March 23, 2020 at 10:12 am

THANK YOU

Reply
Antony E Henry March 8, 2020 at 9:25 am

It’s a tight ‘thappad’ on the most common western culture. Very well written Sir.

Reply
Dr. Brahmanand Nayak March 9, 2020 at 5:44 am

thank you

Reply
Satvik March 9, 2020 at 6:21 am

Impressive article. Proud of how rich our culture is. Thanks for showing the world how valuable every small thing in our culture is!

Reply
Dr. Brahmanand Nayak March 11, 2020 at 7:40 am

thank you

Reply
10 safety tips every girl should know - Dr. Brahmanand Nayak November 24, 2021 at 5:27 pm

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10 safety tips every girl must know - Dr. Brahmanand Nayak November 24, 2021 at 5:28 pm

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