Sanitizer replaces soap and water

Dear Dr. Gott: I have noticed that more and more doctors and dentists are using the large bottles of hand sanitizer rather than washing their hands with soap and water before examining patients. Also, nurses don’t use gloves when drawing blood.

Please comment on these practices. It is difficult to mention this to doctors and nurses.

Dear Reader: Hand sanitizer appears to be a good product because it kills skin bacteria without the need for antibacterial soaps. There have – to my knowledge – not been scientific studies to test its effectiveness, however.

I don’t see why nurses and lab technicians should wear gloves. The risk in taking a blood sample is not infection; it is in the possibility of spreading hepatitis from a needle stick, in which case rubber gloves would be useless.

Dear Dr. Gott: I read with great humor your column recently about fighting head lice with Miracle Whip. I can’t vouch for that natural remedy, but I can tell you about another one that for me is equally “miraculous.”

My neurologist recommended a product for my migraines called MigreLief. It contains magnesium, vitamin B-2 and the herb feverfew. Supposedly, there are studies that show that all three of these simple ingredients work to reduce migraine frequency. All I can tell you is this combination works – for me, my mother and my sister. You might want to check this out for your readers.

Dear Reader: Although I am not familiar with this product, I am printing your letter in hopes that other readers may be helped by using it. Migraines can be very painful, and attacks may occur without warning. As always, I rely on readers’ experiences, so let me know, folks, if MigreLief works.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “Headaches.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I’m 61 years old and had surgery on both knees, and the last surgery on my right knee really gives me trouble. After sitting or driving for extended periods of time, when I get up to walk, it’s like my knee locks up.

Is there any over-the-counter medicine that can help?

Dear Reader: This is not a common complication of knee surgery; therefore, I urge you to review the situation with your orthopedic surgeon, who may recommend a course of physiotherapy.

I am not aware of any nonprescription drug that will prevent your knee from locking up, although ibuprofen may reduce pain if this is part of your problem.

I am not a substitute for a personal physician. Your own doctor is always the best option.