The Shocking Truth About Germs!

The Shocking Truth About Germs! How this awareness can save you
a lot of headaches (literally) and keep you and your family
healthy throughout the most contagious seasons By Allison Janse
http://wwwgermfreaksguidecom/offer/indexcfm

While the hacking and sniffing season has begun, most people are
not keenly aware of the simple things they can do to avoid
catching whatever’s going around the office, and maintain great
health while those around them are aching, coughing, and blowing
their noses
In The Germ Freak’s Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu,
coauthored with Dr Charles Gerba, I compiled the most complete
guide to the truths and myths about germs, so people can learn
practical ways to avoid catching colds and the flu
Here are a few helpful facts that may surprise you:
You could be wasting your money on antibacterial soap Americans
spent a staggering $540 million on antibacterial soaps and
products in 2004 This is a hefty price tag and they don’t
protect against colds and flu, which are caused by viruses A
recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that
those who used antibacterial soaps instead of regular soap had
the same numbers of colds, runny noses, sore throats and fevers
Even worse – if your hands get chaffed from overusing strong
soaps, you make it easier for harmful bacteria to enter your
skin Better to seek out regular hand soap
Hovering over the toilet seat isn’t necessary to avoid catching
something While 50% of Americans won’t sit on a public toilet
seat, the risk of catching something from one is so minimal that
you can go ahead and take a seat Studies by microbiologist (and
co-author of The Germ Freak’s Guide to Outwitting Cold and Flu)
Charles Gerba, PhD, confirm that the faucet handle actually
has more germs on it than the toilet seat
Using the environmentally friendly air dryers in a public
restroom may help the outside environment, but not yours Dr
Gerba’s research showed using those dryers increases bacteria on
your hands by 162%! Avoid these if you can
Is Echinacea really helping? A recent trial from the University
of Virginia provided compelling evidence that Echinacea does not
prevent or alleviate symptoms of the common cold
You’ll find hundreds of more tips in The Germ Freak’s Guide to
Outwitting Colds and Flu, but hopefully these will get you
started on the path to great health By Allison Janse
http://wwwgermfreaksguidecom/offer/indexcfm

Tags | bacteria, charles, internal, medicine, microbiologist, price, public, toilet