As far as public restrooms, the segment mentions that toilet seats are actually not the most like...

Read more]]> As seen on a recent Today Show segment, public areas like restrooms, gym showers and even airplanes are some of the germiest areas where we could pick up bacteria and viruses that could make us sick.

As far as public restrooms, the segment mentions that toilet seats are actually not the most likely place to pick up germs.  One reason is that urine is sterile and another reason stated was that basically, only our thighs might touch the seat, so it doesn't give much chance to spread germs.  The main concern was actually the walls of the bathroom stalls and the toilet paper.  The reason is that when we flush the toilet, that germy air flies out onto surrounding surfaces.  Make sure you wash you hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before leaving the restroom.

Gym showers was another important topic.  Apparently, wearing flip-flops into the shower will not protect you from the germs and bacteria.  When you step into the shower the water puddles up on your feet anyway, so there really is no protection against germs.  And they warned not to touch the walls of the shower, as they are loaded with bacteria.  The recommendation was not to take a shower at the gym if you could possibly avoid it.

The next subject was germs and bacteria on airplanes.  Most people worry that being in a confined place, and that breathing in the recycled air could possibly cause us to get sick.  According to this segment, the air that is being recycled goes through a filtering system and is probably cleaner than the air you breathe in your office.  However, if someone sitting next to you is sick, of course it is possible to catch the illness.  The advice here was to bring disinfectant wipes with you to wipe down all surfaces you might come in contact with, such as the trays, arm rests, etc. 

A Note From This Author

Obviously, it is impossible for us to avoid germs in public places completely.  However, it good to be on the safe side, and protect ourselves from illness and germs when we can.

Here at Smart Touch Sanitizing(TM), our primary concern is to help create a healthier indoor environment, keeping in mind the safety of the disinfectant for the environment, people and animals.

Our specialized delivery system utilizes our exclusive disinfectant which is completely non-toxic, EPA Registered with no hazardous warnings required on the label, and NSF Certified to be safe for direct use on all food contact surfaces.  It oxidizes and kills 99.999% of bacteria, germs and viruses including all the above mentioned.  And because it is so safe and requires no hand wiping or rinsing, and takes minutes to dry. It is completely safe to be used directly on hard and porous surfaces and will not harm the environment, including people and animals.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Smart Touch Sanitizing VPA(TM) system, or scheduling an appointment, please call us at our toll free number: (866)863-4107. 

In a recent article posted on Everydayhealth.com, there are some simple ways to help protect yourself and your family from catching colds and flu this winter season.

During the fall an...

Read more]]> It seems as though everything you touch from doorknobs to hand rails are loaded with bacteria, germs and viruses.

In a recent article posted on Everydayhealth.com, there are some simple ways to help protect yourself and your family from catching colds and flu this winter season.

During the fall and winter months we spend a lot more time indoors, breathing the same air.  By being mindful of good hygiene, we could help protect ourselves from these germs.

The first tip mentioned in the article recommends getting the flu vaccine.  The flu vaccine helps prevent your chances of getting sick by 70 to 90%.  Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you won't get the flu, but the vaccine will lessen with severity and length of the illness.

The second tip is to make sure you wash your hand frequently, and encourage those you come in contact with, like your family, to wash their hands, as well.  This will help get rid of the germs, viruses and bacteria you pick up when touching door knobs, etc.  According to the article, one study proved that college students that washed their hands frequently got fewer colds and illnesses.

The third tip pointed out that avoiding shaking a sick person's hand is common sense, however, there are many more places and surfaces where there are germs.  A recent study showed that 50% of classroom surfaces were full of germs and bacteria that could make you sick.  Not to mention door knobs, light switches, TV remote controls, computers and phones.  The recommendation was to use a good disinfectant product on all these surfaces to prevent contamination.

Number four was reminding us not to touch our eyes, noses and mouths,  This is one of the main ways a person transmits the germs into their bodies.  Remind others not to touch their eyes, noses and mouths, as well.

Tip number five was to stay hydrated.  Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily helps to keep our immune system strong.

Number six is to exercise regularly, which help strengthen your immune system.  And keeping yourself at a healthy weight will also help your body's ability to fight off colds and flu.

The seventh tip is to take probiotics. Probiotics are the good bacteria your body needs.  Studies have shown people who include probiotics and foods containing them, like yogurt, have much less chance of catching a cold.

The eighth tip is to invest in a bottle of hand sanitizer.  Although you can not avoid germs completely, it is good to use hand sanitizers when hand washing is not an available option.

Tip number nine is to eat a healthy diet to keep your immune system strong.  Incorporating foods like fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, and complex carbohydrates will help strengthen your immune system.

The last tip is to make sure you get a good night's sleep.  Sleeping is when our immune sysytem is resting and repairing itself for the next day. Not enough sleep could run you down and will give colds and flu a chance to make you sick.

To read more about this important topic please visit this link at http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu-pictures/learn-more-about-preventing-cold-and-flu.aspx

A Note From This Author

Here at Smart Touch Sanitizing(TM), our primary concern is to help create a healthier indoor environment, keeping in mind the safety of the disinfectant for the environment, people and animals.

Our specialized delivery system utilizes our exclusive disinfectant which is completely non-toxic, EPA Registered with no hazardous warnings required on the label, and NSF Certified to be safe for direct use on all food contact surfaces.  It oxidizes and kills 99.999% of bacteria, germs and viruses including all the above mentioned.  And because it is so safe and requires no hand wiping or rinsing, and takes minutes to dry. It is completely safe to be used directly on hard and porous surfaces and will not harm the environment, including people and animals.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Smart Touch Sanitizing VPA(TM) system, or scheduling an appointment, please call us at our toll free number: (866)863-4107. 

They discuss how the recent...

Read more]]> In a recent article written by the Children's Hospital in Boston, there is no doubt that reusable grocery bags are great for the environment with less plastic and paper wasted.  However, you might be surprised to find out just how sick they can make you and your family.

They discuss how the recent outbreaks of e. coli have been blamed on lettuce and bison meat, but most people don't think about the all the bacteria in the reusable bag that come in contact with the eveyday food items that you and your family eat.

Did you ever take the kids to daycare and forget their bag, so you just simply throw all their things into a reusable grocery bag that had been left in the trunk?  Or forget your gym bag and just throw you socks and gym clothes in the reusable bag left in the car? The bacteria and germs, like e. coli and salmonella,  in the reusable bags can cause very serious illnesses, and can even be fatal.

Granted, they are convenient and good for the environment, however, they must be properly maintained.  The real danger in juices dripping from raw meat, unpasteurized dairy coming in contact with raw fruits and vegetables.

The blog states to keep these bags clean and germ free, make sure you wash them at least once a week or use a good disinfectant.

A Note From This Author

Here at Smart Touch Sanitizing(TM), our primary concern is to help create a healthier indoor environment, keeping in mind the safety of the disinfectant for the environment, people and animals.

Our specialized delivery system utilizes our exclusive disinfectant which is completely non-toxic, EPA Registered with no hazardous warnings required on the label, and NSF Certified to be safe for direct use on all food contact surfaces.  It oxidizes and kills 99.999% of bacteria, germs and viruses including all the above mentioned.  And because it is so safe and requires no hand wiping or rinsing, and takes minutes to dry. It is completely safe to be used directly on hard and porous surfaces and will not harm the environment, including people and animals.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Smart Touch Sanitizing VPA(TM) system, or scheduling an appointment, please call us at our toll free number: (866)863-4107. 

By your pet using the litter box or backyard, you are constantly being exposed to some dangerous, ...

Read more]]> In a blog posted on petlvr.com, it was stated that in a recent study, doctors have found that MRSA(Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) can be transmitted from your pet to you, and back again.

By your pet using the litter box or backyard, you are constantly being exposed to some dangerous, illness causing bacteria, such as the superbug MRSA.

The article goes on to explain what MRSA is and how dangerous it can be. It's a staph infection which is resistant to most antibiotics, so it can be fatal.  Anyone with a weakened immune system can get MRSA, however, it is frequently found in nursing homes and hospital settings.  According to the Mayo Clinic, MRSA symptoms include red bumps or deep abscesses on the skin.  However it is not limited to the skin, it can also settle into your heart, joints and bones, etc.

In a study done by the Ohio State University, researchers had found that 5.7% of dogs in their veterinary hospital carried MRSA.

The advice given here to help protect you and your family from the superbug was to make sure everyone washes their hands after touching your pet. And, if you have wounds on your hands, always cover them up with bandages before petting your cat or dog.  If you develop an infected wound seek medical attention immediately and ask to be tested for MRSA. Be sure that the wound is tested before starting an antibiotic regimen, since MRSA is antibiotic-resistant.

Adding these preventitive measures will lessen the likelyhood of contracting the superbug MRSA from your pet. Remember to keep in mind that your pet is more likely to come in contact with MRSA because of their exposure to more bacteria.

Read more: http://petlvr.com/blog/2009/10/can-you-catch-mrsa-from-your-pets/#ixzz13UoJyClY

A Note From This Author

Here at Smart Touch Sanitizing(TM), our primary concern is to help create a healthier indoor environment, keeping in mind the safety of the disinfectant for the environment, people and animals.

Our specialized delivery system utilizes our exclusive disinfectant which is completely non-toxic, EPA Registered with no hazardous warnings required on the label, and NSF Certified to be safe for direct use on all food contact surfaces.  It oxidizes and kills 99.999% of bacteria, germs and viruses including all the above mentioned.  And because it is so safe and requires no hand wiping or rinsing, and takes minutes to dry, the hospital down time would be dramatically reduced. It is completely safe to be used directly on hard and porous surfaces and will not harm the environment, including people and animals.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Smart Touch Sanitizing VPA(TM) system, or scheduling an appointment, please call us at our toll free number: (866)863-4107. 

Leonard Douglen, executive director of the...

Read more]]> In a 2009 article written by the Pest Management Professionals, they referred to a recent recall of contaminated peanuts due to Salmonella.  The article states that every year 1.4 million recalls are made due to this bacteria causing illness, nationwide.

Leonard Douglen, executive director of the New Jersey Pest Management Association. states that nearly 500 people a year die from Salmonella contamination which is mostly transmitted from rodents.  Even family pets, such a s hamsters and guinea pigs can carry this disease.

Douglen advises that keeping food processing facilities pest free is a very big challenge because of the wide variety of insect, birds and rodents can create the conditions from which Salmonella can spread. 

In the instance of the 2009 peanut recall done by the Peanut Corporation of America, there was dead rodents, rodent excrement, and bird feathers found by inspectors at he plant.

Douglen also warned that insects such as cockroaches and other pest insects can carry salmonella.

Visit www.njpestcontrol.com for additional information.

A note from this author:

Here at Smart Touch Sanitizing(TM), we have worked with pest management specialists who will eliminate these pests in an attic or basement, and then utilize our system to eliminate the odors and the bacteria, such a Salmonella. Our primary concern is to help create a healthier indoor environment, keeping in mind the safety of the disinfectant for the environment, people and animals.

Our specialized delivery system utilizes our exclusive disinfectant which is completely non-toxic, EPA Registered with no hazardous warnings required on the label, and NSF Certified to be safe for direct use on all food contact surfaces.  It oxidizes and kills 99.999% of bacteria, germs and viruses including all the above mentioned.  And because it is so safe and requires no hand wiping or rinsing, and takes minutes to dry, the hospital down time would be dramatically reduced. It is completely safe to be used directly on hard and porous surfaces and will not harm the environment, including people and animals.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Smart Touch Sanitizing VPA(TM) system, or scheduling an appointment, please call us at our toll free number: (866)863-4107. And if you own your own Pest Control Service and would be interested in finding out more about adding the Smart Touch Sanitizing(TM) System to your present services, please call us or fill out the 'Join Our Team' form for more information.

Read more]]> A recent study done by the University of Arizona revealed 73% of shopping carts sampled tested positive for coliform (originating in feces and associated with poor sanitary conditions), which can cause disease in immuno-compromised individuals, the young or elderly. When comparing contamination levels in public facilities, shopping cart contamination levels far exceed those of public restrooms.

During their research they had tested many types of public surfaces and found that shopping carts were contaminated with more fecal matter, saliva and bacteria than escalators, public telephones and public bathrooms. The only other surfaces that had more bacteria and germs were playgrounds and bus rails.  Which puts shopping carts in the most germiest category.

Aside from transferring bacteria and germs from person to person or baby to baby, there is the raw meat exposure which triples the chance they may contract salmonellosis and quadruples it for campylobacteriosis, a diarrhea illness, said Olga Henao, an epidemiologist for the CDC.

Some states have implement a cart sanitization system that each cart gets pushed through and sprayed with the peroxide based disinfectant.  And other states are trying to implement shopping cart sanitizing as law. Some stores already provide disinfecting wipes, and although these things help, this might not provide a complete and thorough sanitization.  And these disinfectants that are being used have serious warnings on the labels, which includes being hazardous to humans!  Would you want your teething baby or toddler or even yourself being exposeed to that danger?

Not only can the disinfectants being utilized be hazardous to your health, but it is also very costly for the grocery chains.  The new push through grocery cart sanitizing system is costing supermarkets a leased price for $600 to $750 a month.

Here at Smart Touch Sanitizing(TM) , we pride ourselves on not only the safety and effectiveness of our system, but the cost-effectiveness, as well.

Our high performance, exclusive, earth friendly disinfecting product kills 99.999% of germs, bacteria, and viruses, which is 100 times more effective than other leading disinfectants that claim 99.9%. These include everything from the common cold to MRSA, e. coli, salmonella, and blood borne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and many more.  It has been third party tested for efficacy, registered with EPA to be completely safe and non toxic to humans and animals (does not require a hazardous warning label), and it is NSF (National Sanitary Foundation) Certified to be safe on all food contact surfaces, and does not require rinsing or wiping.  Have you read the labels on the current disinfecting products you might be using now?

Please contact us at www.smarttouchsanitizing.com for more information or call our toll free line at (866)863-4107.

By definition, superbugs are antibiotic ...

Read more]]> According to an article written in Oct.2010 in the Daily Finance, hospitals have become very dangerous places to spend time.  Even if surgery is successful, we need to think about the superbugs transmitted that can cause serious illnesses or possible death.

By definition, superbugs are antibiotic resistant bacteria.  And as stated by Dr. Philip Tierno, Director of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at the Langone Medical Center at New York University, 2.5 million infections occur annually worldwide which result in about 100,000 needless deaths and costing billions of dollars in additional treatments.

Some of these deadly superbugs causing these life threatening infections are MRSA, Streptococcus, Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus, Resistant Klebsiella Pneumonia, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, E. coli, Acinetobacter Baumannii, C.diff, and one of the most feared newcomers called NDM-1.  NDM-! originated in New Dehli, which affects the gut or urinary tract, according to the article. These superbug infections can cause very serious illnesses or possibly kill you.

The article also mentions the fact that there are other products such as antimicrobials and bleach that can destroy superbugs. But they can take a long time to work. Bleach, in particular, is toxic, so many doctors and nurses do not like to use it. In addition, bleach can be costly since after a certain amount of use, hospitals have to shut down wings to repair rooms and equipment.

See full article from DailyFinance: http://srph.it/aZqTug

A note from this author:

Here at Smart Touch Sanitizing(TM) our primary concern is to help create a healthier indoor environment, keeping in mind the safety of the disinfectant for the environment, people and animals.

Our specialized delivery system utilizes our exclusive disinfectant which is completely non-toxic, EPA Registered with no hazardous warnings required on the label, and NSF Certified to be safe for direct use on all food contact surfaces.  It oxidizes and kills 99.999% of bacteria, germs and viruses including all the above mentioned.  And because it is so safe and requires no hand wiping or rinsing, and takes minutes to dry, the hospital down time would be dramatically reduced. It is completely safe to be used directly on all equipment and will not harm the environment, including people and animals.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Smart Touch Sanitizing VPA(TM) system, or scheduling an appointment, please call us at our toll free number: (866)863-4107

Check out what's on the bottom of your purse!

Our purses and bags come in contact with millions of bacteria and germs from bathroom floors, restaurant floors, automobile floors, ...

Read more]]> As seen on Dr. Oz, germs are hiding everywhere!  What do we do to help prevent bacteria and germ causing illnesses? 

Check out what's on the bottom of your purse!

Our purses and bags come in contact with millions of bacteria and germs from bathroom floors, restaurant floors, automobile floors, etc.  Where we go they go, too.  Usually we don't think twice about laying our bags down anywhere, and then putting them on our laps or laying them on the kitchen table or counter when we get home.  The germ and bacteria possibilities are endless, such as salmonella or even e coli! Yuck! That's a big no-no!  One solution is to purchase a purse hook and hang your bag, or just hang it on the back of a chair.  Whether your'e a germaphobe or just plain concerned about you and your family's health , it's just not sanitary or healthy. I always spray our non-toxic Smart Touch Disinfectant on the bottom of my purse, anyway, when I get home and then hang it on a door knob or chair.

In your make-up bag

As the article states, anytime we apply lipstick, mascara or any other cosmetics, any germs that may be on our hands can come in contact with the outside of the bag, and then find it's way into your make-up.  The recommendation was, of course, not to share cosmetics with anyone.  The other solution was to clean the outside of your makeup bag regularly.  This is when a good, non-toxic disinfectant comes in handy. 

The remote control and phones

How many people eat popcorn while changing the channel with their remote?  Well, if there are germs on your hands, guess what?  The germs and bacteria transfer to the popcorn and then to the remote, and on and on.  Or talk on the the phone and grab some finger food with the other hand?  More chances to spread illnesses and germs.  The article recommends to wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before and after you pick up the remote, phone or snack.  While your at it, you can use a non-toxic disinfectant spray regularly to sanitize your phones and remotes, as well.

How about your computers and keyboards?

We use our computers, laptops and other electronic devices all the time.  Even if you are the only one who comes in contact with them, they could still be loaded with germs.  The recommendation is to wipe these devices, including the computer mouse, with a cleaning cloth. I would personally spray the cloth with a good sanitizer to kill the bacteria.

Spice racks

Think about it.  If your in the middle of preparing raw meat or chicken, and you go to grab the garlic powder.  Not a good thought.  Again, there is a chance of spreading salmonella, e coli, or who knows what from the raw meat, which can cause some dangerous illnesses.  Clean the spice jars regularly to avoid getting a serious potential illness.

Sponges

Sponges have been known to be one of the germiest things.  The articles states that changing the sponge often and microwave for one minute to kill germs.  We would also recommend soaking them in a non-toxic disinfectant. Do not use sponges to wipe your counters, that will most definitely spread germs.  Use paper towels so they can be just thrown away, along with the bacteria.

Anything with a handle or switch

Look around your home and take note of how many handles, switches and door knobs me make contact with regularly.  The dishwasher, refrigerator, bathroom door, light switches, stair railings,etc. Clean these areas thoroughly and regularly with a good disinfectant to avoid the spread germs and illnesses.

The arms of chairs and furniture

Again, anything that your hands come in contact with such as chair arms should be cleaned regularly with a cloth and non toxic disinfectant.  Make sure the upholstery is colorfast to avoid damage.

Shoes and paws

When we walk outside, anywhere, with our shoes on, and then walk into the house, just think about all the germs and bacteria and illnesses you are carrying right into your home on your shoes!  How about your pets?  Their feet don't automatically repel germs.  They walk into the house, jump up on your lap or couch, and yuck, more bacteria and illnesses!  Get some comfortable house shoes, only to be worn inside.  And for the pets, clean their feet using a good non-toxic sanitizer that's safe for pets.

A personal note from this author

It seems almost impossible to avoid germs everywhere, all the time.  My best personal advice would be to at least keep your home and personal items as clean and germ free as possible.   Smart Touch Sanitizing will help take care of all of the above issues with a simple sanitizing/deodorizing application.  We use an earth friendly, non toxic disinfectant that is completely safe for pets and humans.  It is EPA registered and NSF certified to be safe on all food contact surfaces.  It's a quick, simple, affordable solution. Go to our 'Locate an Applicator' page and either enter your zip code or call or e-mail us.  Make an informative decision to help keep you and your family healthy.

According to Ms. Gentzler, any surface where there is a lot of human traffi...

Read more]]> Germs are everywhere! How can we avoid getting an illness or disease?  Here are some important tips and information from WRC's Doreen Gentlzer, as seen on the NBC News Channel, on the life of germs, and where they live.

According to Ms. Gentzler, any surface where there is a lot of human traffic will harbour many germs.  She also pointed out that germs stick on hard surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, subway poles, railings, gym equipment, elevator buttons, etc. and will live from a few hours for up to 2 days. The next person comes along and touches that surface, and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.  Scientists point out that flu viruses like to live on non-porous surfaces such as plastic, metal, wood, and die out more quickly on porous surfaces.

Some suggestions to avoid diseases are to wash your hands frequently, and when sneezing or coughing, don't sneeze into palms, sneeze onto your elbow to avoid spreading germs.

Of course, some of our personal recommendations aside from the tips given here, would be to use a hand sanitizer that does not contain alcohol and is non-toxic and eco friendly. And, when cleaning your home or office, utilize a safe, non-toxic, earth friendly disinfectant on those surfaces that do have the most contact, such as the doorknobs, toilet handles, light switches, etc.

As seen on the Today Show, Philip Tierno, professor or Microbiology and Pathology ...

Read more]]> In a recent L.A. study, 1 in 7 homes would fail as sanitary conditions. Although the test was not considered scientifically thorough, if conducted under a controlled test, even a lesser number of homes would pass.

As seen on the Today Show, Philip Tierno, professor or Microbiology and Pathology at NYU School of Medicine and John Oxford, Chair of Hygiene Council stated that one of the most germiest places in your kitchen is the sink drain. The studies have actually found fecal organisms on the faucet as well as in the sink drain.  They recommended using a weekly disinfectant on the sink, paying special attention to the drain, as well.

The question might be, 'why worry about the drain if it drains down anyway?'.  The answer is because there could be splash back, and people put raw vegetables directly in the sink thinking it's clean.

The other germiest thing in the kitchen are sponges. Most people do not disinfect them and clean them properly and they carry the same organisims onto your dishes and countertops. Sponges can be cleaned and sanitized in the dishwasher on the germicide cycle.  They are the single most germiest thing in any household, especially if they are kept wet. Replace them with new sponges often.

The next germiest place in the kitchen are the countertops, because the germy sponge or cloth is used to wipe it down.  H1N1 could actually be transmitted by touching the countertop and then touching ones eyes or nose. The recommendation is to sanitize the countertops at least weekly, preferably after each meal.

Another germy place in the kitchen is the refrigerator door handle.  Fecal organisms, as well as other germs, have also been found there.  Again, the handle might have been cross contaminated with the germy cloth or sponge.

Lastly, the trashcan is another germy place.  The suggestion is to use a plastic garbage bag to line and protect the inside surface, and to make sure the interior and exterior of the can is sanitized, at least weekly.

These tips will help to keep our kitchens clean and our families healthy.