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Germs
How to Avoid Germs at the Gym
The cold temps are moving in and it's that time of year for colds and the flu. To prevent getting the sniffles, sore throat, and achiness, you've got to avoid the germs. It's not enough to watch out for germy places in your home.
Cold Water Works Just as Well
Germs are everywhere. Swine flu, regular flu, our homes, the gym — there's no escaping the little buggers. One of the best ways to protect yourself is still the easiest: wash those hands!
The Germiest Places at Home
I know that I've been a little obsessed about germs lately, but it's flu season and I'm trying to get through this one unharmed. I'm washing my hands constantly, not touching my face — I'm even making my own hand sanitizer. The Hygiene Council just released this year's findings of its annual home hygiene study, and the results have me motivated to do some serious Fall cleaning.
Summer Safety: Beware of Beach Sand
Whether you're building sandcastles or just burrowing your feet, getting sandy is an essential part of going to the beach. But if la playa plays into your vacation plans, be warned: beach sand can contain bacteria known to cause stomach bugs.
Though sand often looks and feels clean, remember that germs are everywhere.
Which Germy Situation Is More Disgusting?
I'll admit that I'm a bit of a germaphobe. OK, I'm a huge germaphobe. That's because I know some people are not as hygienic as they should be.
Health Tip: Protect Your Toothbrush From Bacteria
Environmental microbiologist Chuck Gerba studies the spread of viruses and parasites, and he made an interesting discovery about bathroom hygiene. Gerba found that every time you flush the toilet, your toothbrush gets sprayed with bacteria. Eww!
Health Tip: Disinfect Commonly Used Personal Items
Spring may be on its way, but we're still not in the clear when it comes to cold and flu season. Germs are still lurking everywhere, so take a few minutes to disinfect the things you touch every day at work, in your home, and in your car.
At Work
At Home
In Your Car
- Keyboard
- Office phone
- Mouse
- Pens, stapler, and other office supplies
- Buttons on calculator, printer, and fax machine
- Reusable water bottle
- Eyeglasses
- Cell phone
- Doorknobs
- Light switches on walls and on lamps
- Buttons on microwave, coffee maker, remote control, etc.
- Handle to the fridge
- Faucets
- Alarm clock
- Steering wheel
- Stick shift
- Interior buttons for the radio, windows, and heat/AC
- Interior and exterior door handles
- Rear view mirror
- Seatbelt buckle
Healthy Tip: Don't Touch Your Face
Since it's cold and flu season, we're all trying hard not to get sick. One of the best ways to prevent catching a virus is to wash your hands often, because the germs on your hands make their way into your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth, giving you the cold or the flu. We all know that it's impossible to keep your hands perfectly germ-free all day long, so as an extra measure, keep your hands away from your face.
Who Is Germier?
We all know that women and men are different, right down to our pinkie fingers. Researchers from the University of Colorado examined many hands and found a distinct difference between men's and women's palms. That difference was germs.
Germs and You: Seven Ways They Touch Your Life
There is no way to be in denial that it's cold and flu season with so many co-workers, commuters, and gym-goers coughing and blowing their noses all around me. Other illnesses are lurking too, and prevention is all about knowing how to steer clear of germs in the first place. If you know how they spread, you can avoid getting sick.
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