I thought I had it down with prevention of colds, flu, and even germs from grocery carts to money. Recently I discovered one that had slipped by me. When we are at the bank, grocery, schools, or any where we have to sign receipts or our name beware of the pen.
They are every where,at the grocery or bank attacked to the handy chain ready and easy to use. When I think of every time I have asked to use a pen when getting gas etc. never did I think it is the one item which many maybe 1000's of other people have touched the same pen. It never gets sanitized, not even at the doctor's office.
While watching the Health Channel, I saw those pens have as many germs as a public restroom, spreading anything from flu, cold germs, and even skin viruses from one to another unknowing person. When I found this out, I was going to the doctor myself for a monthly appointment. I shared this new information with the staff, even they hadn't thought of it. This is in an environment where if you have a cough, they give you a mask!
Not any more, in fact if you ask for a pen now you get to keep it at the doctor I go to. Be safe and always carry your own pen for signatures and please teach your children not to share. I wish I had known this years ago. God only knows how many colds I could have prevented. After we use the pen, we follow by touching everything else from purse, to clothing, inside our cars, etc. Keep the sanitizers but please start remembering to use your own pen. Stay healthy with one more very important tip.
Source: Health channel
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
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It's getting to the point where we will be afraid to touch anything or anybody for fear of catching germs. Makes me think of Monk on the TV show. Everytime he touches something he has to wipe his hand with a sanitation wipe. People who watch his show think he's funny when he does this, but it's getting to where more and more people are doing close to the same thing!
I don't worry about catching germs from touching things. Of course I do the normal sanitation things-washing my hands after using the restroom or doing anything dirty, and washing them after handling anyone that is sick.
I do this and I haven't had a cold in 6 years now. So I must be doing something right!
If we tried eliminating germs from everything we'd drive ourselves crazy. Certain things I do like washing my hands every time I come in and every time I use the bathroom but I don't think I'll go so far as to sanitize pens. And what about the door knob/handle when you wall in that establishment are we going to sanitize it too?
What about touching the counter at the bank when we walk in or the money that exchanges; I could go on forever. It's not that I don't believe in being clean and sanitizing but I don't want to become OCD. Seems every time we turn on the TV there is some sorta scare tactic; sad if that's all they can come up with to report on.
This boarders on obsessive. What about chairs, grocery carts, door knobs etc? You can't take all these things with you where ever you go. Just use common sense and wash your hands. Use the doctors pen, then wash your hands.
Also it doesn't hurt us to get a cold once in a while.
When I was at the eye doctor's on Wednesday, my exam was delayed while he sanitized his pen. Word is getting around!
I agree with everyone who thinks we are becoming obsessive about sanitizing everything. Of course, it's just common sense to wash hands after using the bathroom and after visits to doctor's offices, etc.
Thanks for all of your feedback. I do have an auto immune illness (lupus) so I have to be very aware of picking up germs when not necessary. I didn't say sanitize the pens, I said "take your own" if you think about it, so easy. The man who just went to the restroom, then preceded to checkout without washing his hands is using the pen they have hanging there.SO easy to just use your own. I agree things can get out of hand but getting a cold is NOT good for everyone. Some of us a simple cold turns into a very unwanted, long illness.
I actually sanitize my door handles, light switches, and grocery carts. However I also take supplements, eat as organic as possible. Knowing inexpensive ways to live healthy is wise. I always go to thrift stores but for example wash all of the clothing in hot, clean water. Television shows that are trying to sell us things we don't need I totally agree need to be aware of. By being cautious and smart we can live a healthy life in a very germ filled world.
I love reading everyone's feed back, about your life and always enjoy Thriftyfun site people. Blessings to all of us who see joy in being thrifty.
Luana, I completely agree with you! People who think different are probably the ones sneezing on shopping carts, not washing hands after the rest room and every thing else. During February and the last part of January my mom and I try to stay out of stores that are crowed like WalMart because that is where sick people go. I also don't go to the doctor's office during this time unless I am really sick.
I make sure my healthy check up and my medicines are updated before January. My doctor told me that was a good idea. Sitting with a bunch of sick people does not help me stay well. I see nothing wrong with taking all precautions to prevent sickness. If everyone did this there would be fewer sicknesses going around.
People should also stay home when sick and keep children home when sick. I work in a daycare and you would be surprised to see how many children come in sick and we have to send home. The one good side affect about staying out of stores during January and February is the money I save!:)
Great info. I touch all of those pens - very rarely pull my own pen out. Will now pay closer attention.
Thanks. By the way, I tried to vote on this again today and it said I already voted, yet the vote is not showing up when I click on thumbs up. Any clues as to why?
Not only should we think about who uses the same pens - especially in doctor's offices - think about prescription counters, where many sick people are paying for their medications? I have been known to wipe down the counter with hand sanitary lotion and kleenex or wipes when available before signing for my prescriptions! That one type of area concerns me as much!
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