Apparently, I'm always one day behind. During my last week of blog posting, I found out about America Recycles Day the day after this national go green day. This time, I found tips for staying germ free during Thanksgiving...on Black Friday. Oh, well. Today is Thanksgiving in my mind. My mom was sick yesterday, so we decided to postpone the big feast one day.
The fact that my mom got sick at such an "inconvenient" time (Isn't that what always happens?) made me think about what caused her 24 hour virus. Germs obviously. But could she have avoided getting sick by being a little more OCD about germs? Perhaps so.
Now just a little clarification, in this week's topic I'm not exactly arguing for full-fledged germaphobia, which is actually considered a mental condition. (You should read some of the online germaphobe chat rooms where people advise other people how to calm themselves from a traumatic germ experience by sitting down and taking deep calming breaths for 15 minutes. And here's a funny article about "Confessions of a Germaphobe.") Actually, I'm arguing for being more germ-aware.
Maybe you're wondering, "Am I a germaphobe?" Chances are, you're not. But to find out how germaphobic (or germ-aware) you actually are, take this short quiz.
After researching germs for a while, I've been enlightened about the billions of germs waiting out there. If you wish to remain ignorant about how much grossness lurks on everyday items, don't watch this video.
Scary isn't it? You'll probably be repulsed forever now by your toothbrush and ice and lemons from restaurants.
So what are some ways to keep those germs away?
1) Wash your hands (probably the most obvious method of sanitation)--But medical experts like the CDC recommend washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. That probably seems like an eternity, so to help make the time go faster, they advise singing "Happy Birthday" twice. Yes, you'll probably end up hating that song for the rest of your life, but at least your hands (and you) will be clean and happy!
2) Carry along hand sanitizer or wet wipes--They're great for sanitizing shopping carts or yourself...whatever needs cleansing.
3) Don't share--Avoid those communal candy or chip bowls, and keep your drink to yourself. It may seem rude, but those wonderful germs will piggy-back on your food when you share it. Here are ten things you should probably avoid sharing.
4) Don't touch (especially when you don't have access to numbers 1 and 2)--Open bathroom doors with paper towels. Find creative ways to avoid shaking hands without coming across as rude. And if by accident you have touched something germ-y, try not to touch your face because that's the quickest way for those germs to enter your body.
So this holiday season, while you're out shopping or going to parties or whatever, be germ aware. Stay germ free!
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