Drug-resistant bacteria are becoming all too common.
Whether hand sanitizers or industrial strength cleaners, disinfectants are increasingly the first line of defense against bacterial infection. Ironically, this weapon may also be helping to strengthen our microbial enemies—superbugs that resist commonly used disinfectants and antibiotic drugs.
Recent research shows that disinfecting wipes—used to protect against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus aureus)—can actually spread this prevalent superbug. Originally a hospital-based infection, MRSA has increased seven-fold in the larger community, striking gyms and locker rooms as well as outpatient medical facilities.
Scarier still, scientists now suspect that disinfectants can "train"… Continue reading Categories
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Can Disinfectants Create Superbugs?
January 22nd, 2010Drug-resistant bacteria are becoming all too common.
Whether hand sanitizers or industrial strength cleaners, disinfectants are increasingly the first line of defense against bacterial infection. Ironically, this weapon may also be helping to strengthen our microbial enemies—superbugs that resist commonly used disinfectants and antibiotic drugs.
Recent research shows that disinfecting wipes—used to protect against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus aureus)—can actually spread this prevalent superbug. Originally a hospital-based infection, MRSA has increased seven-fold in the larger community, striking gyms and locker rooms as well as outpatient medical facilities.
Scarier still, scientists now suspect that disinfectants can "train"… Continue reading Tame those Summer Bugs: My MMM
June 15th, 2009Dear Friends:
It seems you can't be too careful these days. Since the Swine Flu epidemic was a no-show (but could resurface this Fall), now is a very good time to tighten up on summer eating habits.
Love those picnic lunches in the park? Think again.
Charles Gerba, Ph.D. at the University of Arizona in Tucson says that picnic tables contain more germs than bathrooms. YIKES. Why? They contain lots of crevices in the wood that don't really get cleaned properly by "users." Consequently, leftovers mix with rain and bird bacteria has a field day.
Gerba calls picnic tables "basically bathrooms for birds." How… Continue reading My Monday Morning Memo
May 4th, 2009
Happy May to All of You:
I still have the H1N1 flu virus on my mind. Although I don't think it will rise to the levels of the global pandemic of the Spanish Flu in 1918 at this time, if it resurfaces in the fall, that may be a different story. I can remember the Asian flu epidemic in 1957 in which some 45 million Americans were infected. And then there was the Hong Kong flu that caused 50 million Americans to become sick.
So, how do you know the difference between the more virulent flu strains and the "regular" seaonal flu… Continue reading
It’s Flu Season – Good Habits Go A Long Way
April 27th, 2009
Well. Another "possible epidemic" has managed to make the news. This cross between an avian and swine flu bug has many ramifications, for sure, but from my perspective, forewarned is forearmed. Whether this flu, that has gene sequences never before seen, will become a full-blown public health scare is yet to be seen. Regardless, however, here is what I am doing. Perhaps, you should, too.
I am paying very strict attention to washing my hands every time I come into the house. I wash before I take off my coat. I wash again before dinner. I wash after I pet animals… Continue reading
Should You Get a Flu Shot?
November 24th, 2008
Good Day Boys and Girls:
I would be remiss if I didn't let you know that I am thinking of you with a thankful heart on this Thanksgiving week :)
Now, many of you will have already seen the NY Times article on vitamins. Didn't catch it? Well, here it is :
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/1...-for-vitamins/
I am sure you will have many comments, mine will be forthcoming shortly, but here is what a well known nutritional expert e-mailed me when I sent this off to my professional friends. These words echo my own sentiments and will give you a snapshot of the big… Continue reading
Visionary, health guru, diet/detox expert, author, spokesperson, role model, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise Gittleman has always been a trendsetter. 
