Did you know that aside from
your toilet bowl, kitchen counter and pet cage, there are other spots and
things inside your home – such as makeup, yoga mat and headphones – that rack up
tons of germs? It is crucial to keep
these things clean and dirt-free to have a healthy body and prevent sickness.
“Contact with dirty everyday
items such as mobile phones, kitchen sponge and sink increase your risk of having illness-causing
bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus and influenza virus
which might cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps,” says MediCard
president Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Here are some of the
germiest places and personal belongings that you must clean:
Dish
sponge. The irony here is that sponges are supposed to ‘clean’
dishes and countertops and yet it is the dirtiest thing in most homes.
According to a study, 77 percent harbored coliform bacteria, 86 percent
contained yeast and mold, while 18 percent had staph bacteria. To disinfect a sponge,
soak it in water then heat it in the microwave for one to two minutes, or just
pour boiling water over it. It is also best to replace your dish sponge every
two weeks.
Makeup
and makeup brushes. Imagine putting on grimy makeup and brushes on
your face. Numerous studies found that approximately half of all makeup brushes
and mascara tubes are harboring germs. Make sure to keep and use makeup for
about 6-months maximum and clean brushes using a disinfectant cleaner frequently.
Kitchen
sink. Did you know that the kitchen sink is dirtier than most
bathrooms? It has typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the
drain. Clean your sink with an antibacterial product after preparing or
cleansing food such as raw meat, fruits and vegetables.
Cell
phone. Cellular phone has been a considered a necessity for
people. But did you know that mobile phones are one of the risk factors for
infection? According to a study, 1 in 6 cell phones is contaminated with fecal
matter. That is why it is advised to shut down your device once a week and clean
or wipe it with a disinfectant cloth.
Yoga
mat. Practicing yoga is a relief for those who want to relax
and calm their mind and body. However, yoga mats, especially communal ones,
harbor sweat and microbes that can linger for days if unwashed. It is best to
invest in a yoga towel to keep sweat off the mat itself or occasionally scrub
mats with a bit of dish soap and water.
Headphones.
Using
headphones or earphones for one hour has been shown to coat them with bacteria
from the ear, and increase the germ level in your ears by nearly 700 times.
Keep your earphones dirt-free by simply cleaning your earbuds using a soap
solution, or replacing detachable silicone covers.
Awareness of the dirty spots
inside and outside your home and getting check-ups are important in preventing
diseases. MediCard has 13 free-standing
clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations, diagnostic tests and specialty medical services. Visit a
MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.
Live, love, laugh,
Beth :)
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