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For Release: July 19, 2002
Contact: Sarah Taylor
312-861-5200

BEYOND GESUNDHEIT:
PUFFS HELPS ALLERGY SUFFERERS PUT BEST NOSE FORWARD

Here's some noseworthy news: a recent survey from Puffs shows that, by a nose, more people say they blow their nose most during peak allergy season than during cold and flu season. The same survey says that 80 percent of people don't think twice about blowing their nose in a public place, adding up to a lot of sniffling and sneezing on the bus, in restaurants and in the workplace during allergy season.
And while most people know that it's polite to say "excuse me" after sneezing or "gesundheit" when someone else does, allergy season presents a variety of other situations that call for putting your best nose forward.

"Our society isn't nearly as formal as it used to be - people don't hesitate to blow their noses or sneeze in all sorts of public settings," says Peter Post, great-grandson of etiquette expert Emily Post and director of The Emily Post Institute. "But even though you feel comfortable doing it, the people around you might be worried about you spreading your germs, or just plain grossed out by a front row view of a less-than-discreet nose blowing session."

The Blow-By-Blow
Post, a long-time allergy sufferer who's familiar with the social perils of constant sneezing and runny nose, knows how to finesse the predicaments that come up when it's necessary for people to blow their nose in public. He's worked with Puffs, maker of the three top-rated tissues - Puffs Plus Lotion, Puffs Extra Strength No Lotion and Puffs No Lotion - in recent independent testing, to put together blow-by-blow advice on nose blowing behavior.
Post says that while there are nose blowing situations that call for leaving the room, such as a formal dinner or a serious business presentation, it's not practical all the time. "Someone like an allergy sufferer, who is sneezing and blowing throughout the day or is hit by sudden sneezing attacks, can't always leave the room," says Post. Instead, Post recommends being prepared with a high quality tissue like Puffs, and following his advice on nose blowing that's courteous to others and comfortable for allergy sufferers and others who do a lot of blowing and sneezing.

Courtesy For Others

• Be germ conscious: "Exposing others to your germs is the ultimate discourtesy," says Post. A strong tissue such as Puffs helps catch germs, so you don't spread them to others. When sneezing without a tissue, cover your mouth with your hand, and wash your hands immediately after to avoid spreading your germs to surfaces or others when you shake their hands.
• Keep it quiet: "It's never polite to interrupt," says Post, "and in a business meeting or social situation, loud nose blowing can be disruptive." Of the Americans who say they change their nose blowing style in a public place, 79 percent say they do this by blowing more quietly or discreetly. "Leave the full-out-blowing for when you're alone, and use a few polite sniffs and dabs with a tissue in a room full of people," says Post.
• Dining dilemmas: "By far, people are most bothered by others blowing and sneezing when they're eating," says Post. "There's food present, and all of a sudden someone is blowing germs across the table at you." Post recommends leaving the table or room to take care of nose-blowing needs, if possible. And if a sneeze sneaks up on you? "At the very least, turn away from the table, and use a soft, sturdy tissue or your napkin to cover your mouth," advises Post.
• Planes, trains and automobiles: The tight confines of public transportation, be it bus, subway or airplane, can make the sneezing and blowing of other people too close for comfort for some passengers. "Carry Puffs with you when you're traveling, or in your pocket or purse when you're commuting," says Post. "Other passengers will appreciate your preparedness, and you can offer a tissue to a fellow passenger in need."

Comfort For Yourself

• Stronger is better: "It's embarrassing when your tissue falls apart when you blow into it, leaving a mess on your hands," says Post. Post's recommendation is to use a sturdy tissue that will hold up to allergy-sized sneezes. And if a surprise sneeze should leave you with a messy hands? "Use common sense - simply excuse yourself and find the nearest bathroom or box of Puffs to take care of the situation," says Post.
• Avoid that red, swollen look: "For allergy sufferers like myself, the sore red nose that can result from frequent nose blowing is not only painful - it can be awkward in social situations when appearances matter," says Post. "A soft tissue such as Puffs is more comfortable to use, and helps you avoid
  that 'just blew my nose' look."
• Don't hold it: "Many people hold sneezes in, or put off blowing a runny nose by sniffling," says Post. "They may think it's polite to wait, but be courteous to yourself as well as others. Holding in sneezes and sniffling instead of blowing isn't good for your nose."

Procter & Gamble
Puffs tissues provide superior nose care for families by offering a great combination of softness and thickness. Puffs tissues are made by Procter & Gamble, which produces and markets more than 300 brands in more than 140 countries. In fiscal year 2000-2001, P&G had worldwide net sales of nearly $40 billion. The company's Family Care products also include Charmin and Bounty.

Emily Post Institute
The Emily Post Institute, based in Burlington, Vermont, was founded in 1946 and continues the work of Emily Post who wrote her first book on etiquette in 1922. The business is run by third-generation family members and includes more than ten current books on etiquette topics, a web site---www.emilypost.com, and business etiquette seminars for companies across the country. Peter is the great grandson of Emily Post and the co-author of "The Etiquette Advantage in Business." He is currently writing a book on etiquette for men.

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