This Web site provides you with the latest news and information to
keep you and your family safe from harmful germs. Among the latest
news, you’ll find interesting factoids, archived articles, glossaries,
expert tips on health and hygiene, and much more.
Be sure to drop by the “One Mother to Another” blog
for regular discussions encircling all things germ-related, and
partake in the discussions about the most “germified”
individuals on Earth — our kids!
Don’t forget to browse through the sections in the diagram
below. We constantly add new content, so be sure to bookmark this
site and return often to learn about new ways to fight infection!
Germ:
Any microscopic living organism that can potentially cause disease.
A germ may be a virus, a
bacteria or a fungi.
There are trillions of germs everywhere
people live, work, and play! Keeping your family safe from harmful germs
and the illness they can cause is of utmost importance to today's busy parents,
teachers and anyone else who wants to stay healthy.
Below, we've assembled
easy access to the most pertinent information you need to protect yourself
and your loved ones from getting sick or contracting an infection. From
handwashing to cold and flu prevention and everything in between, we're
your one-stop shop for the latest news, expert advice, and educational
downloads for staying germ free!
The Office
Did you know that according to a recent study by researchers
at the University of Arizona, the phone is the No. 1 germiest
item in a typical office environment, followed (in decreasing
order) by the desktop, the keyboard, the mouse, the fax machine,
the photocopier, and interestingly enough, in last place is
the toilet seat. Parenthetically, the average toilet seat has
just 49 germs per square inch.
Staph infections are caused by the Staphylococcus family of
bacteria, common bacteria found on the skin and in the nostrils
of millions of people around the globe. These bacteria are passed
from person to person through contact of the skin against gym
equipment such as weights or mats that have not been properly
and regularly cleaned and disinfected. It is advisable to wash
hands or use an alcohol-based hand antiseptic after using communal
gym equipment, and use antibacterial wipes to wipe down seats
and handle bars before and after use to protect against the
transmission of bacteria. Also remember to wear flip-flops in
the communal showers and locker rooms to prevent foot-related
infections.
The Classroom
Did you know that a recent study by researchers at the University
of Arizona found that classrooms are some of the most germ-filled
public places, and that being an elementary school teacher is
the germiest office job one can have?
The Bathroom
Did you know that according to a recent study conducted by researchers
at the University of Arizona, the bathroom sink is the third
germiest location in the average house? The study also revealed
that the bathroom floor, bathroom counter, and toilet seat are
the No. 6, 7, and 8 (respectively) germiest places in the rest
of the house.
The
Kitchen
Did you know that according to a recent study by researchers
at the University of Arizona, the kitchen sponge holds the greatest
number of germs in the entire household?
Public
Places
One of the public places most associated with germs are public
restrooms, and with good reason. According to a study conducted
by researchers at the University of Arizona, the most common
microorganisms associated with outbreaks stemming from public
restrooms include shigella, salmonella, norovirus, and hepatitis
A virus.
The
Playground
Left to the outdoor elements and the little monkeys (children)
who climb the bars, the playground is an environment in which
to remain diligent. From bodily fluids to any number of germs
and bugs, playground equipment are grossly-contaminated surfaces.
Bacteria and viruses are the microscopic organisms – otherwise known as germs -- that are responsible for causing and transmitting illness and disease. These microbes are so small, that according to the American Society for Microbiology, if the smallest of all microbes was the size of a baseball, an average bacterium would then be the size of the pitcher's mound, and just one of the millions of cells that make up your body would be the size of the ballpark!
