With winter upon us and sicknesses and illnesses at their high, it is more important than ever to make sure that you keep those nasty germs at bay. Of course you know the obvious places that germs hide (think toilets and door handles), but there may be a few you had no clue about. Here is a list of surprising places germs like to hang around:
1. A Car Dashboard: Since the dashboard is under a constant stream of sunlight, it is the perfect breeding ground for germs. A car dashboard can have up to ten times more germs than a door handle!
2. A Work Desk: Gross-out fact -- A work desk can have up to 400 times more germs than a toilet seat!
3. School Water Fountains: I advise you to bring your own water bottle.
4. Shopping Carts: Dozens of people touch them, young children sit in them, and we place raw food in them. Need I say more? They rank third in the germiest public places, right behind playgrounds and public transport hand rails.
5. A Bathtub: Isn't it sad that the place we go to get clean is actually rather germy? Bacteria thrive in a bathtub because it is a moist, warm environment. Think of it as a germ vacation spot.
Are you scared to touch anything now? Don?t worry. There are plenty of ways to stop the spread of germs.
First and foremost, wash your hands. Some important times to wash your hands are as follows: after using the restroom, before meals, after school, and after sneezing or coughing into your hands. Another important germ-fighting technique is using hand wipes. I like to wipe down desks before I use them. Also, bringing a small bottle of hand sanitizer around with you is definitely a good idea. Many stores have them in fun scents.
Did you know that touching your face can get your sick? When you touch your face, the germs from your hands can get into your mouth, nose, and eyes. Try to avoid things like eye-rubbing and nose-scratching. Also, as friendly as you might be, during the cold and flu season it might be a good idea to skip hand shakes and high fives. Opt for a wave instead.
Follow these tips, and you won't be missing out on any holiday parties this season!
Happy Holidays,
Singel12
Author's Note: Sources: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21423163//
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100250152&imageindex=3
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Health/Diet-Nutrition/4-Ways-to-Stop-the-Spread-of-Germs.html
