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Health and Wellness A Special Feature by The Oakville Beaver Top 10 germiest objects to avoid Keeping our immune system strong is vital in the fight against flu germs this winter--and so is pinpointing the most likely places those little pathogens hang out. While many health professionals are reminding us to wash our hands more thoroughly and frequently-- and to support your hard working immune system with supplements like Cold-FX-- still other researchers are sounding the alarm bell about detrimental behaviour that may not occur to us. For example, here are some everyday situations to avoid: 1. Soap Dispensers: Most public containers are rarely cleaned and dirty-hands cause bacteria to grow exponentially as soap scum builds. Be sure to scrub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. 2. Buttons: Tiny, but readily offensive on elevators, phones, vending and bank machines. Disinfect your hands immediately after use. 3. Water Fountains: Since sick people are told to drink lots of water, a public fountain is often a germ depot. Research has shown that a spigot can carry twice as much bacteria as a toilet seat. Instead, take your own water with you. 4. Shopping Carts: Ready potential to cross contaminate between the hands, face and food. E. coli bacterium is common, so wipe cart and hands with a sanitizer. 5. Restaurant Menu: Germs can survive on a hard surface for 18 hours and menus are rarely cleaned. Keep them away from your plate and flatware and wash your hands once you've ordered. 6. Ketchup: Since many people don't wash their hands before eating, the condiment bottles can be crawling with germs. Do the job the eaterie should be doing and wipe them down with a sanitizer before use. 7. Purses & Wallets: In public places, especially restrooms, place your purse on a chair or hook, not the floor. Paper money especially carries germs so wash your hands or sanitize after a purchase. 8. Phones: Due to saliva, the mouthpiece is usually dirtier than the handle. If using any phone but your own, clean it first. 9. Remote Controls: Did you know that a TV remote control is often the dirtiest object in a hotel room? Disinfect it at home and certainly when you travel. 10. Laundry Machines: To kill germs effectively, especially in underwear, use very hot water and dry for a full 45 minutes. Without this, wet clothes can leave germs all over your hands. www.newscanada.com 25 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, October 15, 2009 Three simple steps to kick start diabetes care Diabetes is on the rise in Canada ­ in 2010 three million people will live with this serious disease. If not managed effectively, it can lead to kidney disease, vision loss, heart disease and stroke. Jen Lee Chung, a pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator at Shoppers Drug Mart in Edmonton, Alberta, shares three easy tips to kick start your diabetes care today: Spice up your life ­ Having diabetes doesn't have to mean meals are bland and boring. Make cooking a new adventure by swapping recipes with friends or trying new herbs and spices. But through your culinary creativity, don't forget Canada's Food Guide and include all the major food groups. Healthy eating is essential to achieving the Canadian Diabetes Association's recommended target blood glucose levels. One step at a time ­ The thought of exercise may not put a spring in your step, but regular physical activity can put you on the path to overall better health. If you find lengthy work-outs overwhelming, doing as little as 10 minutes of exercise several times a day will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Not only will you look and feel better, you will reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, which kill up to 80 per cent of people with diabetes. Stay in control ­ Healthy eating and exercise are essential to effective diabetes management. But if it's not enough to achieve your target blood glucose within two to three months, the Canadian Diabetes Association 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada recommends that you may need prescription medication. Consult with your health care provider to find the treatment best for you. Your local Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator can help monitor your progress and suggest tools and resources to help you manage your diabetes. More information on diabetes management can be found online at www.diabetes.ca. Highlights of the Canadian Diabetes Association's Clinical Practice Guidelines, which has the most up-to-date standards for managing diabetes are available at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at www.shoppersdrugmart.ca. www.newscanada.com THE OAKVILLE SKIN CLINIC With Photo Rejunenation 6-Pak you will receive a FALL SPECIAL OFFER Package Includes: FREE OBAGI CLEAR PHYSICIAN SKIN CARE PRODUCT. Special Offer Expires November 30th, 2009 $ Rebecca 905.849.5674 Kerr Lakeshore Trafalgar The missing piece of the anti-aging puzzle A complimentary consultation with Dr. Steve Choi is required to determine your skin type & treatment sequence. Plus GST 879 (Regular Value $1053.00) · 3 IPL treatments · 3 Physician Strength Peels, · Free Obagi 35 SPF sun protector. · Plus a BONUS free Obagi Nu-Derm Clear an essential component to correct uneven surface skin colour and brown spots. QEW NO REFERRALS REQUIRED - ALL INJECTABLES DONE BY DR. CHOI Dr. Steve Choi BSc. 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