Wash Your Hands: Why You Should Heed This

For as long as I can remember, my mother and many other older people made sure my siblings and I washed hands, before meals in particular. Imagine my surprise on seeing a man emerge from one of the WCs in a London hospital and leave without washing his hands! In fact a notice in the toilet of a nearby restaurant said: Now Wash Your Hands!

A study done by the US Navy a few years ago showed that washing hands five times a day can cut the risk of developing serious infections and consequent hospital admission significantly. (Incidentally, Muslims are required to perform ablutions before praying: it includes washing hands and is done five times a day!)

Since microrganisms can hide behind nails and in folds between fingers, it is necessary to wash those as well. A perfunctory rinse under a tap won't do: you should do a thorough job when you are at it.

Now what would make me write about something that is a habit a great majority practices? This simple measure may help keep the swine flu away!

The flu germs are passed out when a sufferer coughs, sneezes or speaks (though in smaller numbers.) A mask can help control their spread in the air. They don't remain suspended in air for long, but settle down onto various surfaces. Touching these surfaces with your hands and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes helps these germs enter your body. A mask does not prevent you from getting infected: it may be more harmful if it has a small tear or hole. The germs proliferate in it and enter your nose with every breath you take.

So the message is: touching surfaces in public places such as door handles, stair-rails, hand grips in trains or buses or seats in public transport and then touching your nose, mouth and eyes increases your risk of developing an infection. Thoroughly washing hands reduces it. Avoid touching surfaces in public washrooms especially after washing hands: use a tissue instead to help you open doors etc. and discard it after use.

Want to know your future?

Look at what you are doing now. Whatever you do or say now will affect your future, perhaps in a big way. Of course, there are things beyond your control, such as natural disasters, government policies or just plain luck, for everything else, you have a measure of control.

If you want to be successful, be clear on what success means to you. Then plan accordingly. What mindset, thoughts and actions are needed for your success? What resources will you need? Who will be affected by your success, and how? What impact will your success have on the environment?

Controlling your emotions rather than let them control you will impact your future tremendously. Learn to control anger, the number one saboteur when negative and destructive, yet the number one propellor, when under your control. Tony Robbins advises using a milder word to describe your anger, such as peeved instead of furious: this will allow you to dampen it down and put you in control. Try it.

Depression and stress will block your progress. Learn to manage them as well. The quality of work is much superior when you enjoy the process. Put up supports that can help you deal with stress: they may include meditation, relaxation and breathing techniques, friends, family or a coach, who will listen to you and help you progress.

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression: so be careful about your clothes being appropriate for the occasion, as well as your appearance, hair style, chewing gum etc. How well do you speak, what are you manners? Look at them closely. Do you have body odor or bad breath? Use a deodorant and a mouthwash as needed.

Take care of your health. You do want to enjoy your success over the years. Overeating, lack of exercise, smoking and a lack of adequate sleep are known causes of bad health leading to high blood pressure and perhaps diabetes. So keep you tobacco and caffeine consumption low, just take a single helping of food and avoid fried, fatty food as well as fatty salad dressings. A brisk walk of one hour five days a week can go a long way in improving your overall health.

Are you a victim or a player

A young businessman met me the other day, and before long began lamenting about his business not doing well. As it is always a sad scenario, I sympathised with him, and asked him about what was happening in his business. And then he began how his accountant was negligent, how his partner made decisions without bringing him in the picture and how customers did not pay their bills on time. Further down the conversation, it emerged that he seldom went to his office before afternoon. He explained this was so because his dog was ill and he had to care for it, his mother-in-law was in town and he had to drive her around for visiting and shopping. He used to travel overseas to meet with suppliers: his partner complained that he would be away for months, and never available for discussions.

It does not take much intellect to figure out why the business was faltering. The young man was passing on his responsibility to others, and others made decisions which perhaps they were not competent for. I learned later that this had become the man's pattern. He seemed comfortable in this role!

When I asked him if he was prepared to act differently in his business, he was startled, yet commented that he was always acting in the best interests of the business.

Now, the business is deep in debt; the partner is running it to the best of his abilities and gradually reducing their debt. That young man has resigned, and looking for a suitable job, without success so far. No job is available that suits his routine and other personal preferences. Meanwhile, his father continues to lend financial support. So this guy does not need to work, as his expenses are met. He can continue complaining about the world and everybody.

This is unfortunate, as many of his friends from school said that he was one likely to do well, as he got along with everyone well and was very popular.

He needs to change his way of thinking. His dad can't support him for ever, and I feel that his dad has a role in this sorry state by perpetuating it.

When I suggested he work with a coach, he declined as he knew what he should do. In fact, others come to him for advice!