More New Products!

While the intent of this article in The McGill Tribune is to tell us we don’t need all these antibacterial products, it does a great job of listing some new ones, Papermate has an antibacterial pencil and Hasbro, Lincoln Logs and Tinkers Toys have antibacterial toys.  What could be next?  Any ideas?

More on Yogurt-Probiotics Foods

Foods with tiny bacteria animals in them are good for our digestive system, may reduce cancer risks and reduce blood pressure (The Flint Journal).  The two main bacteria strains are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.  My question is, if I’m eating little creatures, can I still call myself a vegetarian?

A Kiss on the Cheek Better Than a Handshake

According to Sally Bloomfield the fastest way to pass on germs is to shake hands.  A kiss on the cheek is safer.  What about an air kiss?  I still like the Indian greeting: plams together, thumbs toward your chest, and a slight dip of the head.  What do you think?

Bacteria-eaters, A Modern Day Hero

According to Vincent Fischetti, quoted in the Detroit Free Press, bacteriophages are fighting off disease-causing germs.  They chew up bacteria such as antibiotic resistant Staphyloccus aureus.  Good news for all of us.

Good News For the Lazy. Brush your Teeth, Skip the Gym

Those of us who can’t get off the couch to put on our running shoes, so we can walk the three feet to the kitchen to refill the bowl witih cheez its, don’t have to worry about the effect of limited exercise and our hearts.  According to a new study, we should brush our teeth to reduce heart disease.  And I thought I’d have to renew my membership to the gym.  Writing a check to the gym once a month is all the exercise I can manage.  The bacteria associated with periodontitis is also associated with cardiovascular disease.  What I’d like to know is do I have to brush twice or is once be enough to thwart off heart disease?  Maybe I can brush from the couch.  The bathroom is all the way upstairs. 

Way Cool Gadgets

Here are twelve (TWELVE!) gadgets to help you fight germs in your home. From toothbrush sanitizers to a disinfecting sweeper, here are products to let germs know they are unwelcome.   

Consumer Electronics Show and Purell

Even though Purell isn’t on the program, it’s on the program, on consumers hands and hopefully on all the gadgets.  Matt Richtel tells us that at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show everyone is pouring on the juice–the hand cleanser that is.

Copper Seen as New Anti-Bacteria Program in Hospitals

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel described a British study that studied how long bacteria could survive on stainless steel plates and copper.  Three days for stainless but no bacteria were found after just 90 minutes on copper.  So save those pennies and line your hospital room with them. 

Doctors’ ID Badges Possible Source of Bacteria

You’re in the hospital, your doctor comes in, washes his hands and then bend over your open wound.  His/her ID badge (or tie) tickles your skin.  Oops.  Could a few bacteria have been riding on the name tag and slipped off on to you?  According to New Zealand Herald, possibly. The article stresses that hand washing is still the best defense, however using disposable lanyards and nametags or disinfecting them once in a while would be a good idea.  

An Alternative Handshake

If you’re tired of shaking hands but don’t want to appear rude and busting knuckels isn’t your thing, here is a great alternative from a Dear Abby writer.  To signify a greeting and respect put your palms together, thumbs at your chest level.  Do it with a smile and this is a definite winner.