Ultrasound Technologist Schools

The 25 Surprisingly Germiest Places you Encounter Everyday

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:48:41 +0000

Whether germs, bacteria, or straight out viruses, they can be found everywhere in common daily life. Most are harmless, but some can actually cause anything from a runny nose to a life threatening infection. Below are the top 25 most common places you can find germs and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Sponges and rags. When you wipe down a dish or counter, you’re really just transferring bacteria from one place to another. Those who don’t regularly wash or throw out these items can amass an enormous amount of germs. Try using disposable wipes whenever necessary and make sure to wash your hands after touching these items.

2. Cutting boards. These can be especially dangerous when used for cutting different types of food. Salmonella, ecoli, and other viruses are commonly transmitted this way. Raw meats, poultry, fish, etc. should never be cut on the same board and they should be washed thoroughly before used again.

3. Airplane bathroom. No one is surprised that an airplane bathroom makes for one of the dirtiest places you can encounter. Although they do get cleaned, the volume of passengers using and reusing them can be staggering and lead to many germs. Toilet seat covers, soap, and caution are advised when using.

4. Kitchen surfaces. Just because the countertop looks clean doesn’t mean it is. Viruses and bacteria are invisible to the human eye, and must be dealt with using an antibacterial cleaner. Make sure to do the faucet, sink, and knobs as they can also be harmful.

5. Doorknobs. Hands can contain the most germs on the outside of the human body and when you touch a doorknob, you touch the hand of everyone who was there before you. Make sure to wash your hands after touching a public doorknob and regularly clean your own with antibacterial spray.

6. Toothbrushes. When you brush several times a day, you transfer plaque, bacteria, and more to your toothbrush. Make sure to replace it every three months for your health, along with the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth.

7. Shared phones. Whether a land line or cell, this is one of the most common ways to get germs from hands to mouth. Many cleaners are safe to use on electronic devices, and be sure to thoroughly clean the mouthpiece, as this is the germiest part.

8. Washer and dryers. Even those who stay away from public laundromats can still host a load of germs in their own machines. Most clothes are cleaned in cold or warm water and without bleach, which fails to kill the germs. These germs are also transferred when moved into the dryer. Whenever possible, use hot water on your clothes, or try running some bleach through an empty cycle.

9. Money. You never know where it came from, who touched it, and what they did with it, but people rarely wash before touching money. This makes it all the more essential to wash after you handle it to combat possible bacteria, drugs, and even fecal matter. Click here for a more in depth look at what’s really on those dollars.

10. Purses. Setting a purse on the ground is on of the most common ways to pick up and spread germs. Leave your purse on your shoulder, hang on a chair or hook, or set it down on a purse or table to avoid this common germy place. If possible, have your purse cleaned regularly.

11. Wallets. Men also have something to fear in what they carry around. Money is often carried here and keeping it in your pocket only adds to an ideal temperature for germ breeding. Try removing unused items or taking it to a cleaner.

12. Buttons. Not the kind used on shirts, but the kind on ATM’s, soda machines, elevators, or any public facility, especially outdoor ones. Rain, common usage, and the lack of regular maintenance makes these buttons a hot spot for germ activity. Make sure to wash or use antibacterial gel after touching these.

13. The car. According to this study, the average automobile can play host to hundreds of bacteria, some of which can be dangerous. They are found on the seats, shift knob, door handle, trunk, and more. The dirtiest part was found to be the carpet in the trunk, so make sure to wash after handling bags of groceries or anything else that might have touched it.

14. The remote. Often used, but rarely cleaned, this object can be full of germs, especially if you have kids constantly grabbing for it. Make sure to use extra caution when handling a public remote, such as in a hotel or hospital.

15. Water fountain. Yet another argument for bottled water. The constant use, occasional cleanings, and standing water make these an ideal place to transfer germs, bacteria, and viruses. If you must use one, try putting a handkerchief or sleeve when pressing the button and don’t touch with anything else.

16. The gym. With lots of sweaty people using the same weights, machines, and facilities, this is a common breeding ground for germs. An article full of tips on how to avoid germs at the gym can be found here. Surprisingly, some of the least common areas for germs are the toilet seats. The most common:

17. Yoga mats. Do you go to a class or gym that offers mats for stretching or yoga? You might want to rethink using them. According to this study, these mats are a common way to acquire athlete’s foot or plantar warts. Often used by sweaty patrons wearing thin clothes, avoid contamination by wiping them down with disinfecting wipes or bringing your own.

18. Shopping carts. This item involves three of the most common ways to spread germs: hands, faces, and foods. With kids chomping on the handles, adults who have just touched cars and door handles before touching the cart, and foods of varying type and age, shopping carts can gather a wide variety of germs. This study reviewed and listed some of the most common germs found on shopping carts. Many stores have antibacterial wipes available by the carts, so be sure to use them.

19. The candy bowl. Have one of these at your office? Then take care when choosing a candy. Others have been there before you, sifted through, and the jar is often replenished, yet seldom cleaned.

20. The classroom. Especially those containing young children. They put their hands on everything, then put their hands on everything else. Teachers should constantly clean hands, items, and show the children how to wash. Parents might want to get their kids to use antibacterial gel when the school day is over.

21. The gas station. Those pump handles get used dozens of times a day, are located outdoors, and are rarely cleaned. Stations with standing water on a hot day are also likely to have germs. If the pump has a lever, use it to minimize contact with the handle and be sure to take advantage of the many stations that offer antibacterial gel.

22. The lemon in your water. Or any drink garnish. They are often touched by various restaurant or bar personnel who have most likely touched the items of every patron they have served. This study found that 53 out of 76 lemons contained germs or bacteria.

23. The menu. Unless you see the hostess wash down each menu as she gets it, chances are yours wasn’t cleaned before you got it. If it is a paper menu, it has never been cleaned and contains the germs of every person who has touched it. Keep germs from spreading by keeping the menu away from plates, silverware, or glasses.

24. Your shower curtain. Vinyl, cloth, and other curtains don’t just contain soap scum. Bacteria and germs can also breed there, and the constant influx of hot water doesn’t help. Get some antibacterial spray to clean the ones you can, and wash the cloth ones at least once a month.

25. The vacuum. With hidden brushes, bags, and filters, germs can find many places to hide on a vacuum. Thanks to the food that is sucked into it, bacteria can survive for a long time inside these cleaning machines. An easy solution is to change the bags and remove the brushes and filters for a quick cleaning.

All though these 25 places and others come into contact every day, not all of them are bad. According to Philip Tierno, out of the 60,000 germs you can come into contact with, only one to two percent are actually dangerous. The lesson here is to panic less and wash more.

How to Get Your Kids to Eat Healthy

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:19:31 +0000

Probably the biggest problem most parents face with their kids is that of food –either the children are not eating enough of what’s good for them or they’re eating too much of what’s bad for them. Since neither option is desirable, you’re probably pulling out your hair in despair as you try to keep your kids away from all the fast food that’s being advertised on television and being made available at every street corner. And there’s the added pressure from peers who are eating what they want without any parental control, all ingredients that go to make your responsibility of making sure your child eats healthy food an uphill climb. It is a hard job, but one that you can accomplish with the following tips:

· First of all, know that each child is different and don’t expect your children to be like the ones next door. Avoid comparing them to other kids; instead, tell them what they should do in order to stay healthy for life.

· If you want your kids to eat healthy, you must set an example. So if there’s a rule that says no snacks in between meals, you must adhere to it too. The best way to do this is to keep only healthy snack options in the house. So if your kids (or you) are feeling hungry in between meals, you have to eat the fruits, nuts and other good kinds of food you have at home.

· Don’t give in to your children’s demands for something else to eat when they don’t like the menu you’ve prepared for a meal. If you feel guilty that they’re starving while you’re eating and make them something else, you’re setting a bad precedent that is very difficult to break as your child grows into an adult. Make your kids understand that healthy and balanced meals are a must if they are to stay disease-free and live a long life.

· Make healthy desserts that include fruits and vegetables (like ice creams and fruit salads and carrot cake). Your kids need to feel that you’re not depriving them of all the things that are good to eat.

· Pack their lunches for them instead of asking them to eat at the school cafeteria. It will take a little more work on your part, but it shows them that you care enough about their health.

· Talk to your children’s friends’ parents and their teachers to increase awareness about healthy food.

· Talk to your kids about the dangers of eating too many fried foods, fast food, junk food and food that is processed with lots of starch and sugar. Also tell them why soft drinks and other fizzy colas are not good for them instead of shouting at them whenever they indulge their taste buds.

· Make one day a week or in a fortnight “treat” day when they can eat and drink what they like so that they don’t feel the need to give in to their cravings at other times.

Getting your kids to eat the right food is a matter of persistence, patience and determination. You can’t ever give up even when the going is tough and they resist all your efforts, because it is a battle that must be fought even when victory does not seem to be forthcoming. After all, when it concerns your children’s health, you must come through for them, no matter how hard the task is.

The Effects of an Abortion

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:16:30 +0000

There are various reasons why pregnancies are terminated, some of them natural, and others induced. Whatever the grounds, an abortion is definitely not an easy experience for any woman. The physical, emotional and psychological repercussions are many, even if the pregnancy was terminated because the woman was not ready to have a child and not for any other medical reason.

Some women undergo an abortion by accident, when the fetus has not implanted properly or when stress and trauma cause them to lose the baby. Others are forced to terminate the pregnancy because of medical complications like pre-eclampsia or the lack of a fetal heartbeat. And yet others choose to abort their babies because the fetuses test positive for conditions like Down’s syndrome and other genetic disorders that disable them for life.

Whatever the reason for the termination of a pregnancy, you need to be aware that the side effects are hard to take, at least for a while.

Physically…

You may experience a pain in your abdomen and the feeling of cramping
You may be nauseous
You may experience spotting and bleeding
You may find your lower back paining
You may find yourself running a temperature
You may experience vaginal discharge

Most physical effects disappear in a week or so, but they may last up to a month in some women. If your menstruation cycle is regular, you’re likely to get your period in around 4 to 6 weeks.

More serious complications that could arise from an abortion, but these are generally very rare.

· Your uterine lining could be scarred

· Your cervix and/or uterus could be damaged

· You may suffer an infection

· Other organs like your bladder may be damaged

· Although it happens very rarely, an abortion that goes horribly wrong could result in death

Emotionally…

You could suffer from feelings of guilt, depression, anger and sadness, all of which are compounded by the hormonal changes your body is going through.
You may also find yourself facing sleepless nights and suffering from a loss of appetite
Your relationships may suffer as a result of your depression and guilt, so seek the help of a counselor or therapist if necessary.
You’re also going to find yourself worrying if you will be able to get pregnant again, and if so, how soon it will happen.

Contact your doctor when you feel uncomfortable and when the symptoms persist or when you still experience signs of pregnancy like nausea and giddiness even after the abortion. While it’s not a regular occurrence, you may be experiencing a heterotopic pregnancy where one fetus is in your uterus and the other in your cervix or fallopian tube. This is a potentially dangerous condition that, if not treated at once, could lead to the death of the mother.