The Health Dangers Lurking in Your Home
By Sara Butler
Most people pride themselves on how healthy and clean their home is. The problem is that there are more health dangers in your home than you may realize. Here are a few of the places that can harbor nasty germs in your home and you should take action to mitigate.
Your Shoes
How often do you take off your shoes when you walk into your home? There are many people who do, but if you're not one of them, then you should be aware of the things you may be tracking into your house on the soles of your shoes.
Microbiologists out of the University of Arizona found that shoes carry a lot of bacteria on them. In studies, they've discovered that about 96 percent of the bacteria found on shoes worn for only one week was fecal matter that's been picked up on sidewalks, store floors, and from the grass. That's a great motivation to start the habit of taking your shoes off when you walk in the house and to clean your floors regularly. And don't forget to wash your hands often too!
Your Toothbrush
Your mouth is teeming with bacteria, so it makes sense that your toothbrush is too! Researchers have found that after each use, the bacteria on a toothbrush increase. This is why it's recommended that you replace your toothbrush A) after you've been ill, and B) also on a regular schedule -- at least every three months or so. Also, make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use with water and store it upright so it can dry.
Cutting Boards
The cutting boards in your kitchen are another source of unhealthy bacteria, especially if you use the same cutting boards for meats and vegetables -- even if you wash them in-between. This can spread bacteria such as E. coli to foods that can make you sick.
It's good practice to have different cutting boards for different products. Have one dedicated only to meat, another only to vegetables, and yet another for bread. After you use them, soak them in a bleach or vinegar solution for at least 30 minutes before you rinse and place them in the dishwasher.
There are all kinds of things in your home that can make you sick, so do your best to identify these areas and take precautions to keep you and your family safe and healthy.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lake Forest, Calif.