Tag Archives: germs

Hidden Germs

I try to keep my house clean, but I will admit that I worry about germs.  We have pets, we wear our shoes in the house – I just worry that things aren’t as clean as they should be. And, I should.  There are places in the house where you might not think to look for germs. Where are some of the places you should look?  One place I forget about is under the rug.  I try to be diligent about vacuuming the rug, but I often think that is enough.  Remember to pull the rug up and vacuum the … Continue reading →

Bad News for Reusable Shopping Bags

For a couple of years now, we have been pushed to say goodbye to both plastic and paper bags at the store.  Instead, it has been suggested we use reusable bags.  This means less waste and less plastic in landfills. But now, there is bad news for reusable shopping bag fans and it may have everyone rethinking the whole bag thing again. One thing that appears to be important with the reusable bags that wasn’t with paper or plastic bags is washing.  Yes, your reusable bag may be a haven for germs which can make your family sick. In fact, … Continue reading →

Stomach Flu Hits

It’s always something, isn’t it?  First, we see an outbreak of the regular flu, then I read today that there’s a new strain of norovirus, commonly known as the stomach flu.  It’s going around and experts say there may not be much you can do to avoid it, especially since it doesn’t have a vaccine yet. It always seems like these viruses are always just one step ahead of the doctors.  This one, called the Sydney strain, is typical – it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a just general yucky feeling.  But, experts say this one may be hard to … Continue reading →

Are You Avoiding Germs?

It’s that time of the year when many people are sniffling and sneezing. That makes others worry about one thing – avoiding germs. You may wash your hands a lot and try to avoid those that are sick, but there still may be ways you are coming in contact with germs and you don’t even know it. One thing a lot of people are careful to do is to wash their fruit. And that is a great idea, but what about fruit such as bananas or oranges? You may not think to wash the skin of a fruit you don’t … Continue reading →

Where Germs Thrive in the Home (and How to Handle Them)

No matter how well you clean, there are some places around the house (or office) that tend to accumulate dirt and bacteria. You might know some of these already… or you might be surprised! Your mattress and pillows. The bedroom is a favorite spot for those evil allergy triggers: dust mites. Your mattress can also soak up sweat and other bodily fluid! The best way to keep your mattress and pillows clean is to bag them. A plastic cover (underneath your sheets and mattress pad) will keep the dust mites out. Wash bedding regularly in hot water to kill dust … Continue reading →

Girls Make Gyms Germier Than Guys Do

Good news for all you sweaty stinky men who hit the gym on a regular basis—-you are no longer solely to blame for spreading germs on fitness equipment. In fact, a new study found that women are germier than men. The new study found that women have a greater variety of bacteria on their hands than men do. In addition, the study also revealed that both males and females have a disturbing amount of bacteria on their hands. “The sheer number of bacteria species detected on the hands of the study participants was a big surprise, and so was the … Continue reading →

Driving the Family Germ-mobile

“If you’re a soccer mom, you’re essentially driving a germ-mobile.” Or so claims a microbiologist from the University of Arizona who conducted a study on bacteria levels in people’s vehicles. The conclusion: Most of us are driving around in motorized toilets. Scratch that. Actually, what this germ expert concluded was that in most cases the toilets in our homes are cleaner than the interior of our vehicles. Food for thought the next time you consider loading up the kids for a ride to grandma’s house. Before you start bleaching your dashboard take a look at the details of the study: … Continue reading →

Chicken Pox Has Arrived!

Parents and teachers both expect illnesses this time of the year. We do our best by getting all of the suggested vaccines and shots. Many common diseases are now under control due to the research and creation of vaccinations. We also sanitize our classrooms and homes with disinfectant cleaners. We teach children how to wash hands and properly sneeze and cough. A very common disease that almost every child had when I was in school was chicken pox. It would spread throughout an entire family and classroom in no time at all. Quickly each and every child would be covered … Continue reading →

Sanitize Your Sponges

That sponge sitting near your kitchen sink can be harboring huge amounts of germs. Bacteria, yeast, and mold can all live in a kitchen sponge — meaning that the cleaning you do can actually spread germs around! Health experts suggest cleaning your sponge at least once every week (though twice a week is better). The best way to clean your sponge? Use the microwave. Simply wet the sponge and microwave it for a full minute. A study from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland found that the microwave was the best … Continue reading →

The Best Way to Kill Germs

A study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health says that those liquid antibacterial soaps are no better at preventing infection than regular soaps! What’s worse — using antibacterial soaps may decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics. Antibacterial soaps that contain triclosan (in liquid form) or triclocarban (in bar form) have been associated with antibiotic resistance. The study authors suggest skipping products labeled “antibacterial” and sticking to other cleaners. The best cleanser out there is good old soap and water. Scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds — including under your nails and between your fingers. Rinse … Continue reading →