A device for minimizing the absorption of pathogens collected on a
person's hands by contact between the hand and the face of said person,
includes a barrier placed in the crook of the elbow that limits the
flexion of the elbow as the hand approaches the face. In an alternate
embodiment of the invention, a proximity sensor is positioned on a part
of the person's body to sense and warn the person that a hand is about to
touch the face. An audio or visual warning signal or a mechanical or
electrical stimulation may be triggered by the output of the sensor. A
method is also provided for progressively weaning the person from
reliance on said devices.