People do all kinds of things in order to keep healthy or avoid being sick. More often than not, it is the FEAR of falling sick that takes the greater part of their attention. So it is not uncommon that many wake up or go to bed with prayers like: “Oh God! I don’t want to be sick, Protect me, Guide me, Save me from…”

I am sure you know what else to add to complete that popular prayer amongst people from certain parts of the world. It is a daily mantra that must begin or end their day. From all indications, “a culture of fear” has been woven around good health and or the attainment of it; ranging from the absurd to the ludicrous. Therefore I say unto you: “Fear Not!” For me, I regard everyday as a day to take ACTION in a certain positive direction and be bold about it.

The Fear Of The Unknown… Unlimited

In the last article, we discussed “The TRUTH About Anti-Malarial Drugs”. Following on the issues highlighted, quite a number of readers have sent emails to ask sundry questions which needed some urgent answers. Of particular interest was “antibacterial products such as soaps, creams”, etc.

It became obvious that “The Fear Of The Unknown” has unlimited roots in some people. According to one of them, “Ah! I don’t want to take chances o!” These responses confirm the “disease-phobia phenomenon” (DPP), which I mentioned under that subheading in the article. Other respondents also wanted to know what should be used to stave off infections and kill the bacteria.

Belief As The Stimulus For Action.

In considering all the questions asked and opinions expressed on the issue, I find that the people’s belief is more the reason, the driving force behind all the actions (and or inactions) they take in an attempt to keep illnesses away and remain healthy. However, one very important point to remember is that: “If you believe in things you don’t understand, you are bound to suffer”. As it is in religion, so it is in healthcare; and even more so in personal healthcare.

In that article, I said:

“As much as possible, try to avoid “self recommended medications” based on a newspaper, radio or television advert or “friends’ advice”. In most of the cases, adverts are of a general nature and do not necessarily refer to your particular situation, even if you thought or believed so because of your limited knowledge of pharmaceutical products and their effects.”

Take note of the highlighted word “believed” in that passage. So you see, the operating word, the motivator for your actions (or inactions) is “belief”. It is not so much as to what you heard, were told or saw as being advertised that matters. It is whether you “believed” it to be true and took action in consequence, when in fact common sense and a little thoughtfulness and reflection on your part would have revealed that it is a blatant lie and ought to be ignored.

The “non sequitor technique” used in adverts that show beautiful pictures, images and in some cases audio-visual effects are primarily intended to appeal to your emotions and disarm your rational but very critical mind that usually resists change. The other version of the technique is to instill “fear” in you by bombarding the audio-visual adverts with fearful images, scenes and descriptions of supposedly “negative outcome” of you not using such “a fine product”. The bottom line? Just to mesmerize and lure you to decide in favour of the advertised products so that you can part with your hard-earned money while believing that your action to buy is the next logical step to take.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that whatever you believe in is really TRUE; based on verifiable facts and not fantasy, rumours or hearsay before you take your decision to act on it.

The Truth About Antibacterial Products

You will recall that I have mentioned that “The Fear Of The Unknown” a.k.a. “disease-phobia phenomenon” (DPP) is responsible for the exploding billion-dollar “anti-products” industry. One of the most patronized is the antibacterial products line. They come as bar and liquid soaps, creams, jellies and other forms of presentations – singly or in combination with other allied products.

Very unfortunately, people are unaware that there is no scientific proof today that using these antibacterial products actually kill the “most wickedest” or dangerous bacteria or microbe. Despite scientific experts’ warnings that the habitual use of these products are actually inimical to human health and the environment people live in, “DPP disciples” have refused to listen to the “voice of reason” as if they were some programmed fanatic robot on a suicide mission.

Interestingly, some of the world’s leading authorities on medicine and healthcare issues have confirmed that antibacterial soaps DO NOT do a better job than the ordinary toilet soap. Manufacturers and their salesmen and women tell us that antibacterial products contain lethal chemicals that can destroy the most dangerous bacteria but are safe for humans to use. That of course is a blatant and wicked lie in the extreme. But these same medical authorities would prefer that no one else knows the TRUTH.

The bacteria-killing chemicals in antibacterial soaps are too weak to be able to kill the stubborn microbes that can survive under harsh conditions. In one of the experiments conducted, a common regular strain of bacteria had to be bathed in a popular antibacterial soap bought from a store for over two hours before it was finally killed. Let us say, hopefully. It has also been stated that strains of bacteria that have undergone mutation of some sort become even more resilient and will survive for longer – more than double the time it took a regular strain to yield. But can you imagine that?

Now ask yourself; How many people can or will be able to immerse themselves in a lather of an antibacterial soap for over two hours just to have a clean bath? Certainly no one will do that because it is clear that the consequences will be more than bizarre. Then again, ask yourself: Why use a product that will do more harm than good to your health?

The effects created by the use of antibacterial products in humans are largely unknown. And because of this, scientific experts who have studied the subject, warn and advise people not to contemplate taking such an unnecessary risk. Furthermore, the habitual use of these products can seriously impair the optimum functioning of your Natural Immune Defense System (NIDS) or mechanism thereby making you more vulnerable to all manner of diseases. And if you are in the malaria-endemic regions of the world, the more you compromise your NIDS, the more vulnerable you will be to malaria attacks. This is one of the reasons; some people have become chronic malaria patients, with bouts occurring monthly or sooner.

In conclusion, you should please take note that the much touted antibacterial soap is not better than the ordinary or regular toilet soap. The regular toilet soap (non-antibacterial) when used appropriately, will provide the same benefits or better than the ones antibacterial soaps are touted to provide. This means you must observe the simple everyday hygienic rules for your body and the environment around you. The products manufactured from natural ingredients or have them added are usually safer than those loaded with unnecessary and harmful chemicals.

If antibacterial products contain chemicals that have been found to be dangerous and harmful to human beings, then it follows from common sense application that the most vulnerable groups will do well to avoid their use; especially the sick, elderly, pregnant women and children. Individual discretion is therefore always advised and you should choose what product to use wisely.