If washing hands is important to prevent colds and flu, why do we follow the han

1. 67

   BkCreativeposted 11 years ago

   If washing hands is important to prevent colds and flu, why do we follow the handshaking tradition?
   
   In other cultures, people do not greet by shaking hands, why do Americans? This is a sure way to spread germs yet it is still practiced. I know many people use the toilet and do not wash their hands. Ugh!

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2. 60

   Words By Williamposted 11 years ago

   Probably for many of the same reasons we continue to smoke, drink, not get enough exercise and not eat a healthy diet...all things that have a well established history of not being good for you.

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      BkCreativeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      So true Words By William! We are creatures of habits.

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3. 81

   timorousposted 11 years ago

   On the other hand, maybe some people are over-reacting to such germs. Germs are inevitable, they are a part of our environment. Nature understands this. That is why all animals have digestive systems that rid their bodies of waste at regular intervals. Otherwise, we'd be overwhelmed by all kinds of non-beneficial germs, microbes and parasites. A healthy diet and exercise goes a long way to keeping things in check, and preventing unwanted germs from taking hold.
   
   These people with poor bathroom habits don't seem to be any less healthy than the average. Still, it's always a good idea to wash your hands properly each time.

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   normanwinkfieldposted 11 years ago

   Shaking hands is a very powerful pyscological human behavioral custom as I know it in America. It can make you or break you depending on your asprirations and your need and support of other people. People judge other people by thier looks and hand shake. If the look is disagreeable, the hand shake part will most likley not happen or it will be a loose and quick. I don't buy into spreading germs because they are already everywhere. Each body has a defence mechanism, a resistants, if these systems are not working properly sickness will happen, it just a matter of how often.   Massage, exercise, proper sleep, avoiding substances, may it be so called foods or drinks that do not belong inside the body. This will build the body's defence mechanism.

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5. 82

   peachpurpleposted 11 years ago

   Shaking hands has been a tradition for the Americans to acknowledge friendship. In korea and Japan, they bow to greet, which is much cleaner and courteous . Yeah, i had seen people who doesn't wash hands after pee in the toilet, too lazy and don't know where to wipe their wet hands. Luckily in Malaysia, shaking hands are not compulsory. We just say "Hi" and wave hand or slightly bow the head to acknowledge friendship.

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   roezzl777posted 11 years ago

   because its tradition.  you can prevent colds and flue by washing your hands after shaking

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   MisterShivesposted 11 years ago

   I believe that it is out of respect. I don't think that shaking hands is too harmful, but I always remember to wash my hands. I hate to think about what the other person could have been touching. Eew.

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8. 61

   adorablebabyposted 11 years ago

   what people still shake hands i just nod now days

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   thecatgalleryposted 11 years ago

   Remember Munch? He had it right! Absolutely! I'm a microbiologist, so I'll say carry some hand wipes with you to let you politely shake hands, then wipe them safely clean.
   
   I'm going to be publishing a Hub soon called the "Kitten Sneeze", which will be a way to cut down on spreading the flu and colds. Watch for it :-)
   
   Those bugs are everywhere.

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