I've always been a big believer in "what doesn't kill you makes you strong" when it comes to germs and viruses. Then again, maybe I'm just too squeamish to think about it. And now that I've read Heidi Murkoff's (the lady who wrote the "What to Expect" books) new 16-page book, What to Expect: Guide to a Healthy Home I realize that germs are EVERYWHERE. Eesh! I think I'm going to pass out.
Heidi has teamed with the people at Clorox to tell you everything you wanted know about where germs and viruses lurk and tips how to combat them. (Click here to download the PDF.)
With the holidays here, we'll be attending parties at school and at the office. We'll also be inviting friends and family to our homes. And everyone will be hugging, kissing, shaking hands and using your bathroom. Honestly, just shoot me now. I'm freaking out!
What to Expect: Guide to a Healthy Home is full of good, soothing advice about keeping your house healthy from bedroom to playroom. She also discusses allergens and food safety tips like not double dipping, a rather disgusting habit my kids can't shake.
Speaking of kids, Part 2 of the booklet is all about instilling healthy habits in your family. Examples are washing your hands and throwing your used tissues away, something my husband needs to learn. You should see the floor of his truck. Gross!
Most of the booklet covers common sense things you already know about. Still, I did learn some things about germs in public bathrooms. Here's an excerpt:
Despite what your mother may have told you, the chances that you’ll catch something from a public bathroom toilet are minute (even from those scummy gas station ones). That’s because such infections can’t live long enough on a toilet seat, and in order to infect you, need to enter the genital tract itself — not just touch your bottom. What's more, most public bathrooms are cleaned on a regular basis (maybe even more often than your one at home!), so there’s no need to worry too much about germs.
Good stuff. To learn more click here to download the PDF. And if you're a pediatrician or educator and want to order copies for your office or school, click here to request group orders of Heidi Murkoff’s guide from Clorox.
Here's to keeping healthy this winter with help from Heidi Murkoff and Clorox!
