The Dirty

A few weeks ago I asked you to participate

in a survey about germs. I was very curious what people

knew about germs and how they handled them in their own lives.

I've been reading up, and although I feel like I knew most

of this stuff, a few facts really took me by surprise.

How often do you replace your toothbrush?

 Once a month: 6.67%

Every few months: 66.67%

Once a year: 0%

Whenever I feel like it needs to be replaced: 26.67%

I hardly ever remember: 0%

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your

toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. I'm pretty good about following

this guideline, although I usually have to replace my toothbrush for

other reasons, like my baby put it in the toilet.

How you store your toothbrush is also very important in the

amount of germs it contains. If you keep your toothbrush uncovered

near your toilet, particles from the toilet end up on your toothbrush every

time you flush. If you keep a cap on your toothbrush, the moist environment

harbors bacteria. The ideal way to store your toothbrush is upright in a cabinet,

or away from the toilet, where it can dry completely between brushings.

 How often do you wash/replace the bed sheets?

Once a week: 13.33%

Every other week: 40%

Once a month: 20%

When they're dirty: 13.33%

I hardly ever remember: 13.33%

More than once a week: 0%

To be completely honest, I am a once-a-monther. I know its not as much

as it should be, yet this seems to be manageable for me at the moment.

I am responsible for 4 beds in this house. I have it mentally noted that the 1st of

the month means clean bed sheets for all. However, I always wash sheets after

someone has been sick. And I always use the sanitize setting on my washer.

 Once a week is ideal for bed sheet washing. Your sheets quickly build up

with dust mites, body oils, sweat, saliva, and dead skin cells (your body sheds

about a million a day and dust mites feed off of them!) Keeping all of this in check

with a weekly hot wash can reduce sickness and allergies. It is also recommended

to wash your pillows at least twice a year since it is perfect breeding grounds for bacteria.

Hmm maybe I can boost this up to twice a month.

What do you think carries the most bacteria in a hotel room?

Shower floor: 6.67%

Remote control: 80%

Bed sheets: 13.33%

Bathroom sink: 0%

Well you guys got this one right. The remote control, as well as the light switches,

door handles and telephone are the germiest places. Almost everything in a hotel

room is disgusting in one way or another, but the room cleaners pay particular attention

to disinfecting the bathrooms and beds. Wiping down door handles and remote controls

are low on the priority list.

To protect yourself in a hotel room, bring sanitizing wipes and wipe down everything

when you arrive. If the bed has a bedspread, remove it, these are not routinely washed.

You can request an extra blanket if you are cold. Inspect the mattress for bed bugs before

you sleep in it. Wear socks or slippers at all times. And one last thing, don't ever use 

the whirlpool tub! "In one study, 100 percent of water samples taken from whirlpool tubs 

 tested positive for agents that can cause rashes, urinary-tract infections, or pneumonia. 

The pipes of the whirlpool, rather than the tub itself, are where the germs hide." (cbsnews.com)

True or False: The spice rack is actually one of the most

germ-free places in your kitchen because of the sanitizing

properties of many spices.

True: 33.33%

False: 66.67%

This one is false. Not really in need of an explanation, just curious to see what you thought.

Just don't forget to wipe down those jars every now and then since you sometimes

use spices while handling uncooked foods. 

 Out of 60 outdoor playgrounds swab tested, how many do

you think came back positive for fecal matter?

25 percent: 0%

50 percent: 0%

75 percent: 40%

100 percent: 60%

I guessed 75% on this one. The answer is 100%!!! This one took me by surprise.

I know germs are prevalent wherever kids are involved, but since the question

was about an outdoor playground, I was thrown off. Although sun-lit play structures

typically have fewer germs than shady ones, dirty kids are everywhere. Keep your

babies safe by washing hands or sanitizing immediately after play, especially before 

they eat anything. 

 Help your kids stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs by...

1) Establishing healthy handwashing habits. Wash at appropriate times and

wash correctly. Teach them to sing the ABCs the whole way through.

 2) Making sure they cover when they cough or sneeze. Even better, teach 

them to use their arm. Sneezing or coughing into your hands and then 

touching things doesn't make much sense. It is now recommended to use 

the crook of your arm to keep the spread of germs in check.