Here's a great tip for
avoiding germs from the latest issue of
Shape: Keep your purse off of the floor! According to Philip J. Tierno Jr., PhD, from NYU's Medical Center,
"Floors and countertops are often contaminated with germs that cause colds, stomach problems, and eye infections. Those germs can get on your hands, so when you touch your eyes or mouth, they can invade your body, increasing your chances for illness." (Shape, November '08, p.200) A study conducted at the University of Arizona found that the average purse bottom is home to thousands of bacteria per square inch! Yikes. To avoid turning your handbag into a breeding ground for nastiness, Shape suggests wiping your bag with a disinfecting cloth at least once a week (make sure the disinfectant won't damage your purse first!) and keeping your purse on your lap or hanging it up instead of setting it on the ground whenever possible. To that end, I suggest investing in this little gadget that I just happened upon:
The Purse Hook, a small portable hook with a flexible hinge that allows it to hang from practically any surface, such as a table or bar. Might be worth it if it can save you from a few colds this winter, hmm?
