Washing hands in public restrooms

Germ Freaks & Germaphobics
Wherever I go now I am meeting people who say they are "germ freaks". I think that sums it up without needing any explanation. The number one concern of those that I questioned were concerned about germs on doorknobs in public restrooms.

Here are some of the ideas and practices that these people use:

1. They take fresh toilet paper and turn or open the knob on the inside of the toilet door.

2. They use antiseptic wipes to open the door.

3. They use a spray antiseptic wash to open the door.

4. Some use their shirt, handkerchiefs, or skirt when in a pinch.

After washing their hands at the public sink they have to contend with the outside door. Almost everyone of them says that they take extra paper to open the door.

A study was just released that said people not washing hands in public restrooms has gone up in the last year. We think that is disgusting! Any ideas what to do about it? Please post here.

Thanks, Carole

Germ Freaks - germaphobic - germaphobia

Germophobia: An apprehension concerning germs. Someone who has such a concern is often referred to as a "germophobe" or "mysophobe" or "germ freak". This phobia's concentraion is on the destructive nature of germs, bacteria and other microbes.

I have been thinking about these words all day. If you are a Germ Freak or a Germaphobic, you probably, like me, are thinking all the time about cleanliness and how to stay away from germs.

A germ freak is a person who is afraid/dislikes germs. Someone who is willing to go to great lengths to not be infested with the most “obvious” killer germs. a.k.a., bathroom germs, food germs, and shake someone's hand germs and the like.

Properly obsessing about germs isn't easy and for that reason a lot of folks give up without even trying. Being terrified of germs means being willing to think about them and keep them front-of-mind at all times. It means never looking at a door handle without thinking there's probably a trace of pee on that.

Famous Germ Freaks

Donald Trump
Detests handshakes. Prefers the Japanese way of greeting, a bow.

Cameron Diaz
Opens public doors with her elbows.

Randy Moss
NFL player won't touch doorknobs with his bare hands, and won't let anyone open his refrigerator without washing hands first.

Al Roker
The NBC "Today Show" celeb was outed by Katie Couric, who says he applies Purell after every hand-shaking tour of the audience.

Howie Mandel
The comedian built a guesthouse where he can stay when his kids are sick.

Michael Jackson
Occasionally wears sterile masks to prevent contact with germs.

Howard Hughes
The billionaire profiled in the movie, "The Aviator," was a germ-obsessed recluse.


With a little common sense and good practice you can severely reduce your chance for bacterial and viral infections.

Be safe and be aware to stay in good health.

Top Ways to Avoid Germs/Infections

1. Wash Hands Regularly
2. Wash hands thouroughly (Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" 2 times in a row
3. Avoid Touching your eyes and mouth. (Most germs come from the hands, don't let them into your body) 4. Use antibacterial/antimicrobial hand gel after touching things that others have touched
5. Children carry a lot more germs than adults. Make sure to apply rules 1-4 after playing with children.

There are ways of managing your exposure risk to viruses and bacteria all while leading the exact same normal life that you are. Knowing that a door knob carries more bacteria and viruses than a toilet seat is the biggest lesson that you can learn. Also the use of anti-bacterial items that are in constant contact with hands (such as keyboards and computer mice) are simple measures that will greatly reduce your risk.