Here are the image captions and the corresponding text from the article:
Image 1:
Caption: Replace your loofah every three to four weeks
Article Text:
“Loofahs are full of crevices that could be home to bacteria or mould,” Dr Thorton says.
“When these are used on broken skin, you could be setting yourself up for chronic skin conditions or recurrent skin infections.”
This could be thanks to E. coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria, according to Cleveland Clinic – but loofahs can also carry fungal organisms.
While health problems from your loofah might be rare, introducing these things to the bloodstream through tiny cuts could lead to serious infections in more vulnerable people, Dr Thornton warns. That’s why it’s vital to change your shower puff every three to four weeks.
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Caption: Research shows keyboards carry more germs then a toilet seat
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YOU might overlook your keyboard when doing the weekly clean, but Siobhán says that thay are hotspots for harbouring crumbs, dust and bacteria accumulated from our fingertips.
“Bacteria like E.coli and viruses such as norovirus can survive on hard surfaces like keyboards for hours, sometimes even days,” she warns.
“The risk of getting sick from your keyboard is relatively low if your overall health and immunity are in good shape.
“The bigger issue comes when people touch their face or eat at their desk without washing their hands as that’s when the transfer can really happen.”
Research by the University of Arizona found that the average desktop computer carries 400 times more germs than a toilet seat.
And according to a study by Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital, some of these can survive for up to 24 hours on a keyboard.
Rather than stress about germs, give your keyboard a wipe with a disinfectant specifically made for electronics.
You may also want to consider silicone keyboard covers that are easier to clean.
Image 3:
Caption: Reusable shopping bags can spread bacteria
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EVEN THOUGH good for the environment, reusable shopping bags could harm our health as they rarely, if ever, get washed.
“Frozen or chilled food can leave your bags moist, often with little bits of food that can go mouldy,” says Siobhán.
In 2017, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that ‘bags for life’ can spread deadly food poisoning bacteria if they are used to carry raw meat and fish.
And there was evidence to suggest that bugs like listeria, campylobacter and salmonella – which can cause stomach bugs – could survive on the bags, regardless of the material, for up to 21 days.
Thankfully, giving reusable bags a deep clean every now and then should be enough to get rid of germs, Siobhán says.
“If you are someone with a really compromised immune system then biodegradable single-use bags could be helpful,” she adds.
image 4:
Caption: We love our pets – but they can also make us very ill
* Article Text: (There is no text associated with this image in the provided extract.)
Hidden germ Hotspots: Are Your Everyday Items Making You Sick? A Q&A with Dr. Emily Carter
Time.news: Welcome,Dr. Carter. Thanks for joining us today. We’re diving into the topic of often-overlooked germ hotspots in our daily lives. Many people focus on obvious areas like bathrooms, but what are some surprising places where germs thrive?
Dr. Carter: Thanks for having me. It’s true, we frequently enough overlook the risks lurking in everyday items. Let’s start with your shower. Your loofah, that seemingly innocent tool for exfoliation, can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Time.news: Really? How so?
Dr. Carter: Loofahs are full of nooks and crannies, providing the perfect surroundings for microbial growth. Dr. Thornton notes that using a loofah on broken skin can lead to chronic skin conditions or recurrent skin infections. This can be due to bacteria like E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus, or Streptococcus, and fungal organisms.While serious infections are rare, vulnerable individuals are more at risk if bacteria enter the bloodstream through small cuts.
Time.news: That’s concerning.What’s the solution?
Dr. Carter: Replace your loofah every three to four weeks. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and better hygiene. Consider switching natural loofahs for silicone alternatives that dry faster and are easier to clean.
Time.news: What about outside the bathroom? What othre unexpected items harbor germs?
Dr. Carter: Your keyboard is a prime example. We touch them constantly throughout the day, transferring everything from crumbs to dust and bacteria from our fingertips.
Time.news: I’ve heard keyboards can be quite dirty.
Dr. Carter: Exactly! Research from the University of Arizona showed that an average desktop computer carries 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. Bacteria like E. coli and viruses like norovirus can survive on hard surfaces like keyboards for hours, even days. A northwestern Memorial Hospital study found some germs can survive up to 24 hours on a keyboard.
Time.news: That’s shocking! What can we do to minimize the risk?
Dr. Carter: Regularly wipe your keyboard with a disinfectant specifically designed for electronics.This prevents the spread of harmful microorganisms. I also recommend considering silicone keyboard covers, which are easy to clean and disinfect. Most importantly, avoid touching your face or eating at your desk without washing your hands thoroughly.
Time.news: Another everyday item that many use is reusable shopping bags. Are they safe?
Dr. Carter: reusable shopping bags are great for the environment, but they can be a hygiene concern if not properly maintained. They often go unwashed, and any spills—especially from frozen or chilled foods—can leave behind moisture and food particles that promote mould and bacteria growth.
Time.news: Are there specific dangers associated with reusable bags?
Dr. Carter: Yes. In 2017, the Food Standards agency (FSA) warned that reusable shopping bags can spread food poisoning bacteria like listeria, campylobacter, and salmonella, notably if used to carry raw meat or fish. These bacteria can survive on the bags for up to 21 days, regardless of the material.
Time.news: What’s the best way to handle reusable bags safely?
Dr. Carter: Deep clean your reusable bags regularly. Wipe them down with disinfectant or, if the material allows, wash them in your washing machine.Use separate bags for raw meat, produce, and other items to avoid cross-contamination.If you have a compromised immune system,consider using biodegradable single-use bags for high-risk items.
Time.news: Image four refers to pets. How concerned should people be about germs from their pets?
Dr. carter: While there’s no text associated with that image in the article extract; pets can indeed be a source of germs – especially bacteria and parasites. Regular deworming treatments, vaccinations, and handwashing after interacting with pets are essential for protection.
Time.news: So, maintaining a clean environment requires vigilance and awareness of these hidden germ hotspots. Thanks for your insights, dr. Carter.
Dr.Carter: My pleasure. Stay informed and stay healthy!
