When I was a child Saturday night was when we did our Sunday School lessons and took a bath. In 2009 that sounds negligent, grounds to be sent to a foster home where baths are taken once a day or more! Today we're told germs are lurking everywhere, ready to take up residence and cause untold pestilence on the unwashed. We must scrub with an antibacterial soap after each encounter with our bacteria-laden neighbors, family, and friends. Even in church we squirt alcohol gel on our hands after we pass the peace, lest we unknowingly pass more than the peace along to our pew partners.
On the farm in the 50's and 60's we ran and played with barefeet in the barn and in the black dirt fields. If one of us happened to step on a rusty nail, Mom would haul us up to Minot for a tetanus shot and that would be that. In the summer, our knees were perpetually skinned and full of rocks from falling on our bikes in the gravel-lined driveway. If the cut or scrape was bad enough the mercurochrome bottle came out of the medicine cabinet. This putrid, medicine smelling orange liquid was poured on the wound. It had a sting that would make the hardiest germs scatter and run. I believe my immune system is healthy and strong today partly because my body was exposed to many varieties of microscopic intruders during my childhod. My outsides weren't scrubbed with antibacterial soap (just plain Vel) and my insides weren't deluged with antibiotics.
Now, I know there are scary diseases out there. It is prudent to be careful and take precautions. I love my daily morning shower and I wash my hands so many times they're dry and cracked. (I am a nurse, after all!) I just don't like the fear and anxiety tactics that are sometimes used to motivate. I don't really believe I'm a "reservoir of infection". Well, maybe I am, but I don't like being told that. Human touch is healing. The benefits outweigh the risks!
I think I'll go take a Saturday bath................
(Note to my discerning readers: In Post #100 I said I didn't like opinions and here you have one! I apologize.)
I'm with you Pam. With all the warnings around one almost becomes afraid to step out the door.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually dangerous to use antibacterial soap because it prevents you from getting good bacteria that boost your immune system. Regular soap and water does great!
ReplyDeleteI'm all about spreading germs and building immunities, but my Mom's a nurse (as you well know) and she taught me well.
ReplyDeleteThe Sat Bath,plus all other posts, were good to read tonight when there is more winter than not outdoors here in CO. It may be said that the water for your bath was used by a bro and sis, too. The towels were "community" and washed in a wringer washing machine which had to be filled with cistern water, which was rain water running off the roof. I better stop here! Keep writing! Mom
ReplyDeletePam love reading these! Keep 'em coming!
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