Lose the Noose You might be healthier if your doctor doesn't tie one on. I'm not talking about cocktails. I mean his choice of neckwear. Ties may carry bacteria, according to a committee of UK doctors who are urging physicians to lose the tie, switch to a bow tie, or wear much shorter ties. (Yes - the 3 inch mini-tie - that's a sharp look that will inspire confidence in patients.) The committee is concerned that doctors' ties often brush against patients during examinations. Bacteria can be transferred from one patient to another through contact with the tie. Add to that, ties rarely get frequent washings like other articles of clothing. When I asked one of my male colleagues here in the office (a writer - not a doctor) how often he washed his ties, he said, "You're supposed to wash ties?" Case closed. Time will tell if this call to debug ties will catch on. If it does, it could open up a whole new tie accessory market for doctors:
- Antibacterial spray for ties
- Roll 'em up ties (roll up for exams, roll down for meetings)
- Disposable sanitary tie sleeves
If we get to work on these ideas right now, we'll be able to corner the market by next Father's Day. To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute Source:
"Doctors' ties 'Spreading Disease'" BBC News, 6/5/03, news.bbc.co.uk
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