These Are 10 Everyday Items That Are Filthier Than You Think: Wash Your Hands ASAP!
Think your hands are clean? Think again! Discover everyday items you must wash your hands after touching – your health could depend on it! 🚨 #News #HealthTips #StaySafe
You’re Gonna Feel Gross After Readingh This!
ROCHESTER, MN – Ever wonder what lurking germs you’re picking up during your daily routine? From the cash in your wallet to the menus at your favorite restaurant, some everyday items are crawling with bacteria that you never imagined.
Don’t let these hidden germs hitch a ride into your home—discover the surprising places where germs love to hide and why you need to wash your hands immediately after touching them. Your health could depend on it!
Mayo Clinic: “Hand Washing Works!”
Washing your hands is crucial for good hygiene. According to the Mayo Clinic, it stops germs from spreading. The CDC recommends using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Studies show that both methods are effective. While it’s impossible to keep your hands germ-free all the time, it’s essential to wash them after touching certain items.
Keeping your hands clean is key to staying healthy. Here are ten things you should always wash your hands after touching.
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Money
Even though we use debit and credit cards for many purchases, sometimes handling cash is unavoidable. When you do, wash your hands immediately.
Studies have found that $1 bills from New York City banks have hundreds of microorganisms, including oral and vaginal bacteria, and DNA from pets and viruses. Some cash and coins even have pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. With money circulating for years—$100 bills can be in use for up to 15 years—it’s no surprise that they carry a lot of germs.
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Handrails, Handles, or Doorknobs
Touching public surfaces like handrails, handles, or doorknobs can transfer germs to your hands. This is especially true in public transportation systems where many people touch the same surfaces. Washing your hands after using escalators, subways, or public restrooms can help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Restaurant Menus
Restaurant menus are handled by many people, making them prime carriers of bacteria. Research from the University of Arizona found menus can have up to 185,000 bacterial organisms. Since you can’t avoid touching menus, be sure to wash your hands afterward.
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Doctor’s Offices
With a constant flow of patients, doctor’s offices can harbor many germs. The sign-in pen, waiting room chair armrests, and door handles are particularly germ-laden. Wash your hands after visiting the doctor to avoid bringing any germs home.
Animals
Pets are part of the family, but they can carry various diseases. Washing your hands after touching animals, whether they are yours or someone else’s, is essential. This simple step helps prevent the spread of germs that animals might carry.
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Touchscreens
Touchscreens are everywhere, from cell phones to public kiosk machines. These screens can harbor a surprising number of germs. Washing your hands after using touchscreens, especially in public places, can help keep you healthy.
Cutting Boards and Kitchen Sponges
The kitchen can be a hotbed for bacteria. Cutting boards and kitchen sponges, in particular, can harbor many germs. One study found 326 different species of bacteria on used kitchen sponges. Always wash your hands before preparing food and after handling raw meats to reduce the risk of contamination.
Pens That Aren’t Yours
Borrowing a pen might seem harmless, but it can be a source of germs. The average office pen has ten times the germs of an office toilet seat. Wash your hands after using someone else’s pen, especially if you see bite marks on it!
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Soap Dispensers or Pumps
Soap dispensers, particularly refillable ones, can be germ havens. Research from the University of Arizona found that these dispensers can transfer more bacteria to your hands than if you stuck your hands in a toilet. Be mindful of washing your hands thoroughly after using a soap dispenser.
Airports
Airports are bustling with people, making them full of germs. Avoid touching doorknobs, water fountains, kiosk screens, and plastic tubs and trays in security lines. Washing your hands after navigating through an airport can help you stay healthy.
Stay Clean and Stay Healthy
Washing your hands is a simple yet effective way to reduce the spread of germs. Make it a habit, especially after touching the items mentioned above, to keep yourself and others healthy.
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