EMS Expo Live

I arrived at EMS Expo. Just in time for a social event and an update on the podcast efforts of day 1.

Part of my interest in social media is probably the bit of distance it puts between me and other members of my social network. As I traveled today I noticed way to many other travelers coughing into their hands, wiping their face, and doing other things that can transmit germs. I was tense about personal space and hand hygiene before H1N1. Now more than ever I find myself counseling family, friends, and strangers on how to catch their cough.

I was thrilled to see han-itizer – alcohol based hand rub – at the entrance and exit to the airport passenger screening area. Doing my part I washed as I entered and as I exited. I even washed again because I exited the secure (or sterile they sometimes call it. TSA the area past security is not sterile.) area because I still had water in a water bottle I wanted to keep. So my two trips through security led to 4 hand washes. Awesome.

After checking into my hotel I journeyed to the Convention Center building 3. Much to my surprise and delight their are hand wash stations with large gallon jugs of han-itizer outside many of the rooms. Awesome. Awesome.

After touring the convention center I joined many friends and colleagues at a reception with drinks and hors devours. It was a great spread of food. Plus I met Chris Montera in person for the first time. Part of meeting new people is the obligatory handshake. A handshake is especially awkward during food consumption. As new people arrived at our table they would introduce themselves (very considerate) and ask for the names of the people already at the table (also very considerate). Everyone at the table exchanged handshakes with the new arrivals. I did my best to politely decline the handshake by saying “I would prefer not to shake hands while we are both eating.” Three times in a row this was 100% awkward for me and the person offering the handshake. This is perplexing to me. I have a half-eaten chicken tender in my right hand. I could shift it to my left hand and shake. But …. ewwww.

Am I over reacting? What could I say that would be less awkward? Suggestions welcome.

Do you shake hands while eating? Why or why not?

I am thrilled to already be meeting so many social networking friends in person for the first time.  More to come tomorrow from EMS Expo. Possible by the end of the week I will be walking around in a Tyvek suit, SCBA, and Teflon mittens.

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