1. The Critic

In a 2-3 page paper, answer the following questions. In addition to the researched facts you present as your answer, you may provide opinions and real-world experiences where appropriate.

Find an article about handwashing in an online health magazine or website such as Prevention, Men’s Health, or WebMD. The site should be mainstream and reputable. Examples of topics include how to properly wash your hands, the use of hand sanitizers, or any disease transmission topic that can be prevented or reduced by proper handwashing.

1. Choose an article that includes a quote from a health professional or references a medical research study. Include the link in your submission. Summarize the article.
2. What specific information did the author’s source provide regarding the topic? What information or opinion has the author provided on their own and what have they concluded from the study or source?
3. Critique the article. Did the author correctly interpret the research? Did it sound like the author understood what the medical professional was trying to say and did they add background details or analysis appropriate to the subject? Was anything missing? Explain what you would change or add to the article to make it more accurate or informative.

Resources to get you started

When & How to Wash Your Handshttp://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.htmlCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015

Hand-washing: Do’s and don’tshttp://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253

2. Microscopic Companions

In a 400-600 word answer, properly cited with an APA-formatted reference list and in-text citations, please answer the following questions. In addition to the researched facts you present as your answer, you may provide opinions and real-world experiences where appropriate.

Although much of this course is focused on microorganisms that are considered pathogens and have the potential to cause disease in humans, there are numerous microbes that are on our side or at least list side-by-side with us without causing trouble. There are many bacteria and fungi on or in our bodies that are beneficial or are necessary for good health.

1. Summarize the benefit (or need) for “good” microorganisms in and on the body.
2. Choose a part of the body that is normally colonized by “good” microorganisms (e.g.- skin, intestines, vagina, other). List examples of normal microbes and their relationship with the human body. What factors or specific pathogens could threaten this microbial population and how can a person prevent this?
3. What specifically happens when the normal microbial population in this area is disrupted? Provide examples to illustrate your points. How can a patient restore this population to a normal state?

Probiotics and Prebiotics: Frequently Asked Questionshttp://www.fammed.wisc.edu/files/webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/handout_probiotics_patient.pdf

Probiotics for healthy skinhttp://www.dermatologytimes.com/dermatology/probiotics-healthy-skin

Fecal Transplantation for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infectionhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3365524/pdf/GH-08-191.pdf