Which do you think is a more bacteria laden surface-a toilet seat or a smartphone? Surprisingly enough, in many cases, it's the latter. Recent research has revealed that smartphones can harbor a surprising amount of bacteria.
This makes sense when you consider how many other surfaces your fingers touch in between all the times you pick up your smartphone to text, type emails, dial phone numbers, sweep through your photo collection, and more. You transfer the bacteria from whatever else you have touched on to your phone.
Even though the most germaphobic among us may seem to be overly alarmed by invisible creepies and crawlies, there is some cause for concern. An overabundance of bacteria on your smartphone, especially the wrong types of bacteria, can cause skin rashes, breathing problems, and even food poisoning. Studies have indicated that between five and 25 percent of all bacteria found on the average smartphone can potentially cause disease in humans.
So, what's a phone-dependent person to do?
Obviously, it's smart to wash your hands often and thoroughly throughout the day, as well as after touching other surfaces and before touching your phone, but this isn't always possible or convenient. Try carrying a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or vehicle, and develop a routine for disinfecting the surface of your phone every day. To do so, use an alcohol-based wipe-easily obtainable from a drugstore-designed to keep your gadget clean. Alternatively, you can simply use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; just gently rub it over the surface of your phone, taking care not to get it too wet. (This works great for laptops, too).
Now that you know how to minimize germs on your smartphone, consider these other places where germs like to lurk, and use the following tips to keep them at bay:
- The grocery cart. Some supermarkets now provide sanitizing wipes for the express purpose of cleaning off the cart handle before you push it.
- The restaurant menu. It's a total germ fest! Use hand sanitizer, or run to the restroom to wash your hands, after handling the menu and before eating.
- That lemon wedge perched on the edge of your glass. Studies have revealed that some seriously nasty bacteria-including E. Coli-can live on those ubiquitous lemon wedges. Ask for your drink without the lemon.
- Your contact lens case. This little storage space can harbor germs that can cause serious eye diseases. Always dump out old contact cleaning solution, wash the case in hot water every night, and replace cases every three months.
- Your shower curtain. There's more than just soap scum hanging out on the average shower curtain. Infection-causing pathogens can live there, too. Take down the shower curtain liner once a month and send it for a spin in the washing machine, using the hottest water possible.
Take measures to minimize your exposure to germs does more than just lessen the gross-out factor; it will help to ensure you experience fewer illnesses, which means fewer trips to the doctor and fewer health insurance copayments. Spend a little time promoting cleanliness, and save a little money!
Call or contact Insurance Wagon today for any of your health insurance needs.