The recent Swine Flu scare, and the subsequent calls of government health officials to use hand sanitizers regularly as a key means of reducing the likelihood of contracting the virus, has reignited the alcohol vs. benzalkonium chloride debate. While alcohol based hand sanitizers with concentration levels above 60% are effective at killing germs, next generation sanitizers containing benzalkonium chloride have been shown to provide protection long after an alcohol based sanitizer evaporates from your skin.

Handclens (the generic name for AMK’s Adventure Hand Sanitizer ), which contains BZK, kills all 3 types of germs: viruses, bacteria and fungi, including Influenza Type A, of which Swine Flu H1N1 is a subtype.

MYTH: Lightning can strike you only when the thunderstorm is in sight.

FACT: Lightning may travel up to 15 miles horizontally and strike out of the clear blue sky. Get into a protected area before the thunderstorm passes overhead and wait 30 minutes before heading back outside after the last thunder is heard or lightning is seen.

MYTH: Rubbing a frostbitten body part is helpful for re-warming.

FACT: Do not rub, massage, or touch the frostbitten part at all.  Rapid rewarming in water temperatures of 104F – 106F is recommended if there is no chance the part will be refrozen.

MYTH: Hydrogen Peroxide is an optimal disinfectant for cleaning a wound.

FACT: Hydrogen Peroxide kills not only germs, but living cells as well, thus delaying wound healing. Plain potable water or a diluted povidone iodine solution works better.

MYTH: You need to boil water for ten minutes to make it safe to drink.

FACT: Any water brought to a boil, even at high altitudes, is safe to drink.

Myth of the Month – Extracting Snake Venom

Myth: Cut, suck or extract or extract snake venom out of the skin from a poisonous snake bite.

Fact: Cutting, sucking or using an extraction pump will cause more harm than good, while removing little, if any venom. Remove constrictive clothing and jewelry and keep the snake bite elevated above the level of the heart while seeking professional medical care.

Remember to carry a first aid kit with you at all times!