Let's keep it fresh!

Below please find a number of weird facts about hygiene... I'm sure you will be as shocked as we were; we all do such things sometimes... and it's good to realize the risks we run by doing so. They're just very simple, day-to-day activities. Read the little wake-up call and be alert next time you tend to do one of these things:

1. Holding in your sneeze... just to be polite... Don't! A sneeze comes out of your system with the incredible speed of 160 km per hour. and supressing or withholding this will cause an enormous pressure within... This can cause damage to your ear-drums. So grab a hankie or tissue, or your hand. And thoroughly wash your hand afterwards. But not without having read the next item!
2. At work, on the move, in restaurants, hotels... many public or company conveniences have blowers to dry your hands. Ideal and far more hygienic than those pull-towel machines that automatically give a small clean piece of cloth to wipe your hands (if they work properly!), you'll probably think.... But no, on the contrary... usually, our hands are hosting an average of at least 500.000 bacteria each; so it goes without saying that thoroughly washing your hands regularly and definitely always after a visit to the toilet is of the utmost importance. But the heat, coming from the blower creates the ideal climate and environment for bacteria, who will multiply themselves like mad and thus, shocking, but true, makes your hands even grubbier.... The solution is simple: stay away from the hand blowers and dry your hands with a paper towel. Fortunately, these are provided in many toilet rooms these days. And if non of that is available: grab one of your tissues, or be inventive: give your hair an extra boost with your wet hands.... or wipe them on your trousers.... etc.
3. One for the ladies: let's face it: we all do it sometimes and we think it's very sensible and much more hygienic: hang above the toilet seat in public conveniences or other toilets away from home, instead of using the seat. But, attention, girls: when we hang above the toilet, our bladder is unable to fully empty itself. De urine that stays behind in the ureter and cause cystitis. So remember this and next time, sit on the toilet seat. If it's too filthy, or if you just don't like the idea, spread out some toilet paper over the seat before you sit down.
   
4. Share your - or someone else's - toothbrush? Don't! You're at risk of getting someone else's bacteria into our mouth, causing infections and/or dental damage. If you don't have a toothbrush available, use mouthwater to rinse, or simple take a chewing gum and give your teeth a good clean-up when you get home or when you have your own toothbrush. There are handy little "brush aids" for sale, to put over your finger and rub onto your teeth. They're individually wrapped and called "Brush Away". And there are also handy travel-sets of a mini-toothbrush and paste.

View this article in Dutch: Weetjes over hygiëne.

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