Sharing Is NOT Caring When It Comes to These Items
By Brandi Goodman
We were taught from a young age that we needed to share our toys. Though the sentiment is understandable, it really should be taken off the table. Certain items are especially concerning where germs are concerned. Sharing is not caring when it comes to a few particular choices.
Phones
Have you handed your phone to a friend so they could look at a photo? Did someone ask to use your device when theirs was out of battery? People often spend hours each day on their phones. You're touching it with your hands. You're putting your mouth near it while you talk. It's covered in your germs, which are then given to whoever you let touch it. Make sure you start disinfecting your phone regularly so you can avoid this.
Bar Soap
One bar of soap in the bathroom for a house full of people is not OK. It can and will accumulate bacteria, fungi, and even yeast. You're then spreading your germs to your family and vice versa. Every single person should have their own bar of soap to use, or you should think about choosing a bottle of body wash or soap that can be disbursed with far less worry.
Lip Balm
Chapped lips are common when it's cold outside. They can also occur when the lips become burned by the sun and dried out due to the heat. Don't think about asking anyone to borrow their lip balm, though. The lips contain plenty of bacteria that can be passed to the balm and then to the other person who uses it. Buy a couple of spares you can keep in your car or your bag so you don't have to resort to asking.
Pens
Whether you're signing a receipt, making out a check on the spot, filling out a form, or otherwise needing to write in a public space, you better hope you brought your own writing utensil. Pens found in public -- such as the doctor's office -- have been touched by numerous people throughout the day. Everything their hands touched, your hands just now touched. Something as small and inconspicuous as a pen can spread thousands of germs. You should try to keep one on you -- in your purse or pocket -- so you don't have to use the public option.
Sharing germs is not caring. It's a fast way to spread illness. Avoid sharing these items and most others so you limit the potential of passing bacteria to another person. You and those people will be much healthier for it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eastvale, Calif.