Done properly, it’s “one of the best ways to avoid getting sick,” according to MayoClinic.com.

The review is comprehensive, but let’s focus on alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

• An excellent alternative for hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren’t available.
• More effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease.
• Commercially prepared hand sanitizers have ingredients that help prevent skin dryness.

The bottom line?
Use only the alcohol-based products containing at least 60% alcohol.

8/19/08 21:40 JR