It’s National Handwashing Week.

With cold and flu season here, it's a good idea to wash your hands regularly.  Hey, I just washed my hands before writing this blog.  It's National Handwashing Week, which is a good way to promote the prevention of germs.  Here are some things to think about.

At the grocery store. How often do you think shopping cart handles are cleaned? Think how often they're used.

Using cashier pens. Pens provided to sign credit card purchases are superb carriers of cold viruses. That goes for pens in doctors' offices, at banks, and by delivery people. So carry your own pen.

At ATM and in the elevator. Press all buttons with a finger or knuckle that you're unlikely to use to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Better yet, use a key or a pen you carry with you.

Washing your hands. Unless the liquid hand soap in public bathroom is in its own sealed bag, it's likely a breeding fiesta for bacteria. Rinse well with warm water and use your own hand sanitizer.