Staying Fabulously Fit and Healthy

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

You can run 10 miles a day, lift weights and eat right, but if you are exposing yourself to excessive amounts of bacteria, then you could be on the verge of derailing your fitness regime without even knowing it.

A new study shows that some of the fittest people are putting their health at risk by living in dirty environments. Houses are havens for microscopic bacteria, but if you know where they spawn you can help preserve your health... and your fitness routine.

The Kitchen Sink's Dirty Little Secret

You may think you have a clean sink, but bacteria can lurk anywhere, especially the faucet. Running water keeps the screen inside the faucet moist, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria growth. What's more, if you accidentally touch the screen with dirty fingers, bacteria can grow on the faucet. Studies show bacteria from food and dirt can form bio-film that sticks on the screen, which can then fall off and get into your food or onto your dishes. To avoid this from happening, remove the screen at least once a week and soak it in a mixture of bleach and water before reattaching it.

Gross Garbage Disposals

Think about what's put into your garbage disposal: raw chicken, beef, rotten fruits and veggies and a host of other unmentionables that are often chockfull of harmful bacteria, like salmonella. A recent study found that there are more than half a million bacteria in the average American's kitchen sink. That's about 1,000 times more than the average toilet. Bacteria breeds on the crevices in and around the sink's slimy rubber stopper, so in essence, your disposal can become the gateway for bacteria that contaminates your hands, and everything you touch. To protect yourself from germs, clean the disposal's rubber stopper with a diluted bleach solution at least once a week, and remember to scrub it really well before placing it back in the sink.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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