Search Results for: blog illuminating household germs

Back to School Germs

My two children and I spent the summer home together. Yes we did venture out shopping and to the park, but I did not get a summer job and they did not attend the babysitter’s house or preschool. At the beginning of this month, we all got back into a routine of having a place to go each day. I began a new year of teaching, my daughter started part time preschool, and my son headed back to the babysitter’s house. Within a week of the family getting back on schedule, we all had a cold, cough, or runny nose. … Continue reading →

Dangers of Reusable Grocery Bags

Eco-friendly reusable bags are everywhere. What’s more, they are now available in a rainbow of colors and bold, dramatic prints that make them more attractive than ever. The collapsible and durable bags can carry about 35 pounds and hold roughly two times the amount of items as traditional grocery bags. Unfortunately, some health experts are warning that the popular reusable bags are not as good for humans as they are for the environment. According to food safety experts, who have conducted numerous tests on reusable grocery bags, the environmentally friendly totes can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Tests show … Continue reading →

Mars Petcare Dog and Cat Food Recall Announced

Mars Petcare US — makers of several brands of pet food — announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at a specific plant on September 12, 2008. The food is being recalled because of a potential salmonella contamination. Affected brands include Pedigree, Retriever, Country Acres, Pet Pride, and Ol’ Roy. You can see a full list of recalled foods at www.petcare.mars.com. Salmonella can cause infections in pets and in humans handling pet food. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets can include: Lethargy Diarrhea and/or bloody diarrhea Fever Vomiting Decreased appetite Abdominal pain If you believe that your pet has eaten … Continue reading →

What is Salmonellosis?

Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning caused by a bacteria called salmonella. The current salmonellosis outbreak (related to raw tomatoes) is caused by a variant of the bacteria called salmonella saintpaul. There are approximately forty thousand cases of salmonellosis reported in the United States each year. Problems are more common in summer than in winter, but can happen at any time of year. Causes of salmonellosis can include: Food contaminated during processing or handling — always prepare food on a clean surface. Food contaminated by unwashed hands — always wash your hands when touching food! The bacteria can be … Continue reading →

Really Clean Sheets

How often do you wash your bed sheets? A few years ago Oprah interviewed a “germ expert” who mentioned that bed linen should be washed in extremely hot water every 3 days. A gasp went up from the audience and it was later revealed that the majority of Oprah’s fans routinely sanitized their sheets bi-monthly. So, in case you answered “twice a month—at best” you needn’t feel bad… though you may feel itchy. According to scientists, during the night your body sheds cells, which mites live off of. What’s more, doctors say breathing those microbes in as you sleep can … Continue reading →

Dishes Get The Cold Shoulder

A few years ago when TIDE debuted their Coldwater detergent and claimed the new product could “get clothes cleaner than the leading competitive liquid detergent in warm water,” I was skeptical, to say the least. I have never quite worked through my skepticism and continue to wash my laundry in warm and hot water. (On the other hand, my mother swears by TIDE Coldwater.) Forgive me if I have a hard time accepting the fact that cold water can kill bacteria as well as hot water. I blame my reluctance on a doctor Oprah once interviewed who swore that there … Continue reading →