Monday August 9, 2010

picture credit

Quick Update: The second part of my interview over at Sensei Talks posted this morn. You can view it HERE!

Quite a while back, I recorded a repeat of a Rachael Ray (RR) show. She was doing one of her 

"Are you worried that dangerous germs could be lurking in your bathroom, your kitchen ... even in places you don't know about? You might not be able to escape them, but that doesn't stop people from trying. Americans spend more than a billion dollars a year trying to get rid of germs, but as Dr. Keri Peterson points out, not every germ is bad for you. "There's a perception that we have to eliminate all of them in our environment," she says. "There are only four classes of germs: bacteria, viruses, fungus and protozoa, and it's the bacteria and the viruses that can cause illness, so this is really what we're looking to sanitize." Rachael has three viewers test products that claim to reduce the number of bacteria and viruses in your home."

PER  THE LAB TESTING & as detailed on the Rachael Ray show, ALL ITEMS BELOW REMOVED 100% OF THE BACTERIA!!!!!!!!!!!

• Gaby, 39, works in a medical office where she's always handling paperwork, pens and money back and forth with patients. "I'm most concerned about germs on the phone," she says. "I'm constantly wiping down the area just to keep it free from germs. It would be wonderful if I could have some proof to show me that the germs are gone." So Gaby tests the Germ Guardian UV-C Sanitizer Wand that claims to kill up to 99 percent of the bacteria and viruses with just a wave of the wand. Per their website: "LW18 UV-C Sanitizer Wand by Germ Guardian - Simply pass the Sanitizer Wand over surfaces to kill up to 99% of bacteria and viruses. Also fights odors and allergens like mold spores. Chemical-free sanitizing is ideal for – pillows, bedding, toys, cell phones, computer equipment, toilets, showers, sinks, countertops and even shoes."

• "As a mother, germs are a huge concern for me," expresses Ginger, 35. "They're everywhere." This mom's front door opens right into her kitchen, where she worries about germs the most: "Even when I get my countertop to shine, I still wonder what kinds of germs are still there or if it's really clean." So Ginger tries the Lotus Sanitizing System, which claims to sanitize homes naturally without the use of any chemicals.

• Mike, 26, shares his bathroom with two male roommates. "You can imagine how hard it is to keep it clean!" he jokes. "My toothbrush is more susceptible to germs because it's right next to the sink and exposed to everything." So Mike tries the Zapi Toothbrush Sanitizer, which claims to instantly sanitize your toothbrush using UV light. Per their website, "Zapi uses germicidal ultraviolet light to kill 99.9% of germs on your toothbrush in just minutes. Zapi comes in two hot new colors, purple and pink, plus white, blue, and orange to match your personal style. All of them come with a free toothbrush, but they also work with your favorite manual brush or electric head. Simply insert your favorite toothbrush, press the button, and Zapi goes to work, turning off automatically. Your toothbrush is germ free and safely stored inside Zapi ready for the next time you brush.

Again, check it out at the RRR website link above.

Now for the gym. Be forewarned that I am providing a link to a segment on The Today Show about infections you can catch in the gym if you don't do your due diligence wiping down equipment, mats & more before & after your workout!!!! It is very graphic BUT IMPORTANT TO WATCH FOR YOUR OWN SAKE!!!!

WATCH IT HERE.

Me, I bring a smaller Inperspire towel for my face (actually 2)  and a larger towel for the floor, benches & machines. I wipe down everything I use both before & after using it. I never use a gym mat unless I put a towel on it. My sis got a bad infection from using a public mat way back when so watch that video! I also use towels that either have graphics like above OR a tag on it (you know, the tag that tells you how to clean it) so that I know which side hits me & which side hits the gym. Obviously the graphic towels are easy. With my larger towel, the side with the tag always hits the gym stuff. In addition, I bring my own hand sanitizer & I always wash my hands before leaving the gym so I don't take crap with me to the car.

Be safe & please watch the video!

What do you do at home & in the gym to stay safe from germs. I know we can't do everything but we can do our best. Pass on your advice & suggestions!

PS: For those commenting on over use of antibiotics & getting resistant to them, yes, there has been news & medical stories about this. I am lucky enough to have been sick very little in my life & have taken antibiotics so few times in my almost 53 years.... knock on wood! And I don't shower at the gym & never have. I always make sure I have time to shower at home. I know many can't do that so just take precautions.