lil' bits of this-n-that: Keys to Avoiding Germs That Are Making Us Sick

Image via Wikipedia I've been researching a lil' bit about this lately. Relying on the media or word of mouth isn't enough for me anymore. I need facts and legitimate ways to kill germs that can make us sick. I don't like getting sick and my 70 year father, (whom I live with) does not like it either. He doesn't bounce back so quickly after illness and age is starting to really show on me too.

Anyway, back to the germs. An article by Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, was very enlightening on this subject. I'd like to share with you what I have learned. The highest concentration found after numerous studies was our kitchen sponges and dishcloths. Sink drains, faucet handles, and doorknobs - either in the kitchen or bathroom - are the next highest. Toilet seats were at the bottom of the list. Believe it or not.

     Just tossing them in the washing machine or dishwasher doesn't kill all the germs. He suggests to wet the sponge and/or dishcloth and microwave for 2 minutes. That should do it. And for the faucet handles and doorknobs, he says to use a household cleaning solution containing hypochlorite and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
     The article talked about covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. That still holds true.   But this doesn't keep the air clean from all the bacteria, viruses, pet dander, dust or pollen. He suggests a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate-arresting) filter, available at discount drug stores for about $40 to $100. Houseplants can also be excellent air purifiers but their much slower.
     Something else in the article grabbed my attention. Avoid antibacterial soaps. In most cases, antibacterial soap is a marketing ploy that may even increase the chances of getting sick. Bacteria can build up a resistance over time which has been proven in many studies.  All soaps kill bacteria so there is no reason to believe that anything other than standard soaps are necessary, unless you are getting ready to perform surgery.
     His last bit of advice is to not just wash your hands but wash them at the appropriate times. Washing our hands most definitely prevents the spreading of disease. The most important times to wash hands are after coughing or sneezing (of course) toileting (of course). Here are some ideas maybe you haven't thought of; upon leaving "high-risk" places like doctor waiting rooms, ball pits, day-care centers, fast-food-chain play structures, grocery and department stores, and any high-traffic door knobs. Washing your hands before meals or snacks is a must. This last one is not something I have ever heard before but it makes total sense. Always wash your hands upon arriving home, to keep outside germs outside. What a marvelous idea!
     One last note. Dr Alan Greene is a big fan of using hand sanitizers. It's an antiseptic, not an antibiotic, so resistance can't develop.