Here's a great article from Prevention that landed in my in-box this morning . . . http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23727879/ . . . scarey to think about some of these things.

Which ones are you guilty of . . . 'fess up now . . . I'm certainly not perfectly careful all the time. My worst ones are . . . Toothbrush on the bathroom sink; whole pots of soup/stew directly into the 'fridge; fruit (and veggies) in the kitchen sink; eating in front of the TV.

Thanks, Linda. A fascinating article. I'd heard the first stall is the best to use because most people don't choose it. While renovating my house, I've been thinking of having outdoor shoes removed. Thought of it more as making the home a "sacred place." This article provides medical reasons for doing it. (Yes, I always leave my toothbrush on the counter too!)

kjd

I've thought of that about the toothbrushes ...seems so unhandy shut away in a cupboard but guess it would be cleaner and healthier! They say the most dangerous time is when the toilet is flushed an with the brushes right there on the vanity which in our house is right next to the toilet...yuck!

I'm guilty of the purse on the counter and on floors. About the only floor I DON"T put it on is public bathrooms...I refuse to do that...I will hang it around my neck if I have to to avoid setting it on the floor. That's not always too easy or comfortable while I do my business though. :-)

I try to put my toothbrush away in the medicine cabinet and I try to make a habit of putting down the toilet seat before flushing.

Still I've seen studies that claim the most harmful bacteria is in your kitchen, not your bathroom.

Funny how we sometimes develop semi-decent/good habits for other than the best reasons, isn't it . . . I keep my toothbrush out, but in one of those little cases (because I have one cat that likes to chew on the bristles -- he has his own brush for just that purpose). I also try to remember to put the lid down before I flush, again because the cats are fascinated by the toilet bowl.

Thanks for the article Linda, I must say I'm pretty good about all this stuff. maybe because I am a nurse and am really concious about germs. My grand kids are little germ finatics too. They always wash their hands when they come into the house. That's the first thing I do when I come in from shopping or being out. Clean hands are the first line of defense.

Linda on the show "Myth Busters" they did a long test on tooth brushes on the counter and even on the back of the toilet and couldn't get the nasties to grow. It surprised me no end because I remember testing hand soap bar in mirco and it grew all the nasties. But apparently poop didn't fly (sorry but the devil made me say that!) hugs karen3