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.