The John Tesh Blog

Over the river and through the woods- to YOUR house they come

And your company's just called to tell you- hooray! They've been making great time on the road- almost to the outerbelt! YIKES. Good for them- lighter traffic. Not so great for you- time to get this house cleaned now ! Okay- this may not cut it for you in the whole world of a clean,  organized house. But could you possibly be one of many folks this Thanksgiving holiday working like crazy to cram 5 days of work into 3? Then you might just appreciate Good Housekeeping's speed cleaning 101 to the rescue:

 

Tools You'll Use

• Empty laundry basket, bin, or bag 
• Plastic grocery bag
• Microfiber cloth
• Paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol

Biggest Challenges

1. Cluttered entryway
2. Disheveled living room
3. Not-quite-spotless bathroom

Fastest Fixes

1. Overhaul the front hall. Grab a laundry basket, storage bin, or large shopping bag to serve as a junk receptacle, plus a plastic grocery bag and microfiber cloth. Load up your bin with any  shoes, gloves, or hats that litter the foyer. Stash hall-table clutter that could get lost (mail, keys) in the plastic bag; put the bag into the bin. While you're near the door, shake doormats outside.  Flip on the light for an indoor cobweb check; flick webs off with the cloth (don't worry about ones too high up — chances are, visitors won't notice them once they see your smiling face). Take your bin, and keep moving. (3 minutes)

2. Put the living room in order. Next stop: where guests will hang out most. Keep filling the bin with kids' toys, newspapers, and anything else that doesn't need to be here. Run your  microfiber cloth over the coffee table and other dusty surfaces, like the TV screen. Pile magazines or books into neat stacks on the end tables; gather all of the stray remotes in one place. Plump up throw pillows and chair cushions (even easier: flip the latter, if possible). Use a clean corner of the microfiber cloth to nab any obvious clumps of pet hair or dust stuck to upholstery or carpeting. Drape throws to hide dingy chair arms or furniture stains. Drop off the bin in the laundry room or a nearby bedroom, or hide it in a closet; swap the cloth for a few paper towels. Move on to the bathroom. (4 minutes)

3. Fake a super-clean bathroom. Tuck stuff from the vanity into the cabinet or drawers, and close the shower door or stretch out the curtain (sure, nosy guests may still snoop inside, but at least you've cut down on visual clutter). Wet a paper towel with rubbing alcohol to both clean and shine, and wipe down the mirror, faucet, sink, and countertop. Use a new alcohol-dipped towel to go over the toilet's seat and rim. Clean up spots and hair from the floor with a third water-dampened paper towel. Finally, put out fresh hand towels. Make a round-trip to the kitchen with the wastebasket to dump it into the larger trash can. (5 minutes)

Make It Easier Next Time

• Add a shoe bag to the inside of your entryway closet door: It makes a great stash spot for hats and gloves, unopened mail, and (yep) shoes when you're picking up in a hurry. 
• Store a pet-hair-removal tool- one of those handled, round tape covered tools- in a living room drawer or cabinet, so it's handy. 
• Save precious seconds with premoistened disinfecting wipes, which are ready for cleaning right out of the canister.

And guess what? Before you know it, you'll be standing in the doorway waiting with holiday hugs for your travel-efficient company- ready to give thanks for all you have (yes, including a cleaner house!)

Put a patch on what ails your car- you can, you know, all on your own!

So you've decided to hang on to your car, and get every single mile out of you can. Good for you- but it's going to cost you! Relax- probably not as much as if you decided to buy a new car, but what you can't afford to do is ignore repairs- sometimes you don't have a choice! But repairs don't have to be costly- in fact, many can be patched yourself! How?- Charles Pluddeman writes for MSN Autos- it's not as hard as you might think!  In the military, it's called field expedience: making do with what you have available. If you're driving an older car or truck, the application of a little field expedience could just save you a few bucks — maybe more — in the short term. No military experience? Were you a Girl, or a Boy Scout? Ah-ha- now that motto is coming back to you: Be prepared.

If you are keeping a clunker on the road, make that motto yours. A few basic tools and materials stashed in your vehicle's trunk will greatly enhance your field-expedience success rate. If your odometer is reaching, or is passed! the 200,000 mile mark, better put together a do-it-all-just-in-case tool kit that stays in your car, and includes in it some basic hand tools, like a multitip screwdriver, locking pliers and an adjustable wrench. Other good ideas for your kit: a wire cutter, plastic zip ties, a few feet of mechanic's wire, a small multi-tool and, of course, a roll of duct tape.

Please remember to exercise as many safety precautions as possible when attempting any repairs on your vehicle — even the most minor ones. Autos are heavy machines, so chock a tire to keep the car from rolling, take care around belts or other moving parts, and let engines and mufflers cool before touching them. Consult an auto repair manual for any further safety precautions. 

Here are 14 patchwork repairs anyone can accomplish:

Blown Hose

While generous wraps of duct tape can be used to patch a failed radiator or heater hose temporarily, you need to get a new hose pronto, since the heat will deteriorate the adhesive quickly. Another adhesive on the market is called Rescue Tape- much more expensive than duct tape, but another option. It's a self-fusing silicone tape specifically designed to withstand extreme pressure and temperature, and used in place of duct tape for other repairs/fixes you might have. If the hose has failed close to its end, it may be possible to unclamp the hose, cut that portion off and reattach the remainder. A blown hose usually means a loss of radiator fluid, so remember to top off the cooling system with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water as soon as you can.

A Squeaky Belt

Try a dab of a non-abrasive cleanser to quiet a squealing serpentine belt, which drives the alternator and other accessories on late-model engines. One mechanic says he puts a few drops on the inside of the belt where it goes around the lowest pulley, and the mild abrasive removes the shiny glaze from the belt. Of course, you do this while the engine is off. Otherwise, this is a dangerous repair.

Hanging Exhaust Pipes...

The exhaust pipes of most late-model vehicles are made of stainless or coated steel that resists corrosion, but the fasteners and other components that hold it up can still fail, leaving your muffler dragging on the pavement. The pipes are often hung from the chassis with rubber donuts or straps that can break. You can secure the pipe to this hanger with wire — a piece of coat hanger will do the job. (Coat hanger in the kit: check.)

Or a Noisy Exhaust

An exhaust pipe that has broken or has a hole in it can often be mended with a soda can and a couple of stainless-steel hose clamps. Cut the ends off the can, and then cut it lengthwise (scissors can cut an aluminum can). Wrap the can around the affected section of pipe, and secure it on each end with the hose clamps. A thicker piece of metal, such as an old license plate, will last longer. This should always be a temporary repair, of course, since any exhaust leak under the car can be dangerous.

No Brakes

A professional mechanic tells the story of how he once got home after a brake line failed. When the brake pedal went to the floor, he discovered one of the steel brake lines had failed near a back wheel. He cut the line, bent it over itself, and crimped it tight with a vise grip (yep- so go ahead and include one of those in your kit.) This left him with brakes on three wheels and, after topping off the master cylinder to replace the lost fluid, he was able to limp to a shop.

Dead Battery

Without jumper cables or an emergency jumper battery, you are stuck. That is, unless your car or truck has a manual transmission, in which case you can practice the ancient art of "bump starting." You'll need a hill to roll down, or friends to push the car. The driver turns on the ignition key, puts the transmission in second or third gear, and holds in the clutch. Get the car rolling, and then let out the clutch. The car's momentum turns over the engine, and it will start. This almost always works on older vehicles with carburetors. Cars with fuel injection need to generate enough electrical charge to energize the fuel system, and if the battery is stone dead a bump start might not work. It's easier just to carry jumper cables.

Frozen Door Lock

If moisture from rain or the car wash gets into the key slot of the door lock (and you don't have remote entry), you could be locked out on a freezing morning. First, of course, try another door if that's an option. If not, try warming the key. A pocket lighter can be used — the key does not have to be red hot, just warm. Slide it into the lock and wiggle it a little. The warm key will thaw the moisture, and you're in. Later, shoot a little WD-40 into the lock to displace the moisture.

Locked Out

It used to be easy to break into a locked car with a coat hanger snaked past the window frame. But it's even easier to simply unlock the door with a spare key you've stashed someplace on the car, like a tie wrap under the right, or left, front bumper...or someplace else, since that location is now "out there"! For late-model cars, get a duplicate made of the key that opens just the door (not the $150 microchip-equipped ignition key). If your car door can only be unlocked electronically, you'd probably be wise to practice some with that coat hanger.

Leaking Fuel Tank

This one is absolutely a temporary repair. A small fuel tank leak caused by a rock or other sharp impact (perhaps you've been off-road with the Corolla) can be fixed by placing a rubber washer over a sheet-metal screw, and then turning the screw into the hole. You'll need a screw big enough to fit tightly in the hole. Look in the plumbing-supplies aisle for the washer. This works on steel or plastic fuel tanks.

Smearing Windshield Wipers

Wiper blades can often be renewed by scrubbing them with some window cleaner and a rag, or the abrasive side of a kitchen sponge. This removes the oxidation, dirt, oil and dead-bug residue that causes the blades to leave streaks behind.

Stuck Lug Nuts

It's impossible to change a flat tire if you can't loosen corroded or overtightened lug nuts. Too many cars come with dinky lug wrenches that do not provide much leverage. Try this: Place the wrench on the nut so its handle is horizontal at the 9 o'clock position. Then stand on the wrench. Try bouncing a little. If this does not work, get someone heavier to stand on the wrench.

Stuck Wheel

In regions that get lots of snow, road salt and de-icing chemicals can cause the center of an aluminum wheel to fuse to the steel or iron hub behind it. If the lug nuts are off but the wheel is stuck to the car, try this: Thread the lug nuts back on, but leave them loose. Lower the jack so the car's weight is back on the wheel. Then, give the side of the car a couple of good shoves. This should break the wheel free, but the lug nuts will keep it attached to the car. You could also try driving the car a few feet on the loose lugs if pushing it doesn't work, but don't go too far.

Broken Antenna

Radio reception can often be restored by inserting a length of wire cut from a coat hanger into the remains of a hollow antenna that's been snapped off. Secure the wire with a little duct tape. Bend the wire into a clever shape for a custom look.

Broken Window

Some heavy plastic and duct tape can be used to make a surprisingly effective repair over a broken window or one that's stuck in a down position. NASCAR pit crews use tape to secure fenders on cars that can travel at 200 mph, so it should also work for you. For plastic, a garbage bag will work in a pinch, but heavier-gauge sheeting from a home-repair store will last longer and, if it's clear, probably offer better visibility. Cut the plastic to a shape slightly larger than the window opening, and secure it with tape around the edges. After you get the window fixed, WD-40 will dissolve the adhesive residue left behind by the duct tape.

Harder work than you might be used to when it comes to your car? Well, yes. But it's better than paying a whole lot lot of money that you might just care to use for something else- hello, holidays!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Clearing out your car, your computer, and then your garage. Un-cluttering, Part Two.

We talked about a lot couple of weeks back about the things in our homes that are overwhelming our lives, and Andrew Mellen, an Oprah contributor, mapped out a plan to use, discard, or donate (see Oct. 12.) This is all about some Autumn cleaning: figuring out what you should keep and what needs a good "heave-ho"; then figure out how to make what you have work for you...hope you got a good start inside your daily living areas. But how about some other areas where you spend a lot of your life, overall?

The Car (Or, "The Storage Space on Wheels")

If you have to clear off the backseat for company, there's a problem.

What shouldn't be in the car: old food wrappers, toys, the dry cleaning or recycling you've been meaning to drop off for a week (just take it out of the car until you're ready to make the trip), out-of-season tools (if it's June, you can remove the ice scraper from the trunk).

What should be in the car: registration, insurance certificate, owner's manual, maps and/or GPS, extra pair of sunglasses in case of glare, small folding umbrella, headset for your cell phone (preferably you're not talking while driving, but if you are, please be hands-free), envelope with supermarket and drive-through restaurant coupons and any gift certificates you've received (it's pointless for them to be in the drawer at home).

What should be in the trunk: tool kit, flashlight, working spare tire. In winter, add ice scraper, bag of kitty litter (for traction in snow), a small blanket.

The Chaotic Computer

You don't want to spend an hour looking for a scone recipe—or your résumé—because you're searching through all the stuff on your desktop. If you can't see the pretty picture on your computer screen because it's full of icons for documents, downloads, and photos, start making folders. Color-code them: The folder for your financial documents can be green, the one for your job search can be blue. Like goes with like—all your résumés in one folder, all photos in another. Label each one clearly. Then put all your folders in "My Documents," a master folder that you have whether you're on a Mac or a PC.

You can save e-mail correspondence, but discard the one that says, "Great, see you at 12 on Thursday!" and save the one with information about what you discussed.

By the way, if you're constantly responding to e-mail, you're being pulled away from the things that you need or want to do. Try checking it hourly. Or dare I suggest (gasp!) once in the morning, and once in the afternoon?? Try holding yourself to that rule for your Facebooking, or Tweeting, too.

The Basement (yes, you're gonna have to step in) or Garage

Where do you start? With the bad, scary corner. First, get rid of un-salvageables. If the basement flooded and a whole bunch of stuff got waterlogged, these are no longer your possessions; they're a mildew-fest. Just say goodbye.

Once you've gotten rid of the garbage, start grouping similar items, which makes it easy to see what there's too much of and what's broken. Tackle one category at a time—the holiday decorations, the seasonal clothing (yep- including all the boxes of the "don't fit right now" clothing), the journals or paperwork- now long outdated- that you've been keeping for years. If you have enough room, spread everything out to take stock of it all. And while you're getting excited for the holidays looking through all those decorations? You guessed it:

When everything has been sorted, prune. Yep- just like you do in the garden every year: Is this important enough to save? Is it useful? Discard what isn't...like that beautiful star for the tree with the twinkling lights...which haven't twinkled in three years, painfully obvious when you look at the unlit lights...time to say goodbye.

Next, containerize what's left, but don't buy storage bins until you have an understanding of what you're putting into them. It doesn't serve you to come home with two 40-gallon tubs if what you need is 19 shoe boxes. Better idea? Clear plastic storage containers (check around for a good sale price- sure to be had getting closer to the holidays); of course, you can label boxes, but if you can spare a few bucks to really set yourself up to be able to see the contents immediately- go for it. And if you also use your basement as a play space for your kids or to entertain, get rolling shelves that can be moved to one side of the room and perhaps even covered with drapes (the ones that have been packed in a box you just found- get it? Make your things work for you!)  Happy Tuesday!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

12 ways to unclutter your life

Think of this scenario: If your house were burning and your family, pets, and purse or wallet were already out of harm's way, what else would you want to save? Probably not the blender that only works on one speed, the china you inherited but never use, or that picture from last Thanksgiving that is one of the worst pictures of you ever taken! So here's a question to ask yourself: If I wouldn't grab them in case of a fire, why do I still have them in my home now?

There's no reason to be surrounded by things that don't work, that you don't need, or that you don't even like. Andrew Mellen is a professional organizer, writing for Oprah.  His job is to help his clients figure out what they should keep and what they should kiss goodbye; then they figure out how to make what they have work for them. You can do it yourself by following the steps outlined here:

The Ground Rules

1. Everything you own should have value, either because it's functional or beautiful or you just love it. Remember the question of what you'd grab if your house were on fire; that's your baseline for determining an object's worth.

2. Every item needs a place where it "lives." Setting things down on the coffee table or kitchen counter creates piles and confusion. My clients mock me when I say, "Where do your keys live? They live in a bowl or on a hook by the front door"—but you never lose anything when you put it where it lives.

3. Focus on one thing at a time. Multitasking is supposed to help you get more things done quickly, but when you try to do 19 things at once, everything ends up incomplete. You're trying to simplify your life, so simplify your approach to getting organized. Now let's get started.

 
A too-crammed Kitchen

Your kitchen is a food preparation area, not a storage space. The idea here is to weed out what you're not using, then put similar items together and in the best places.

Appliances: Machines that are broken or aren't used are just taking up space. If your Crock-Pot has a missing lid that you say you're going to replace someday, or you're keeping the bread maker just because it was a gift, get rid of it.

Food containers: All your plastic storage items should have corresponding lids. If you don't have one or the other, it's a recycling item.

Pots and pans: If there isn't a lot of space in your kitchen, use a pot rack. If you have the space, hang them along the wall for fast access.

Knives: If you're short on counter space, consider the type of knife block that fits in a drawer.

Plastic bags: Everybody has a plastic bag full of other plastic bags. Use the ones you have for trash can liners, or take them back to the supermarket for recycling. Keep canvas shopping totes in the car so you don't accumulate more plastic bags. Mesh shopping bags roll up small enough to be kept in your handbag for unexpected trips to the market.

Cookbooks: Unless you're a collector or you have a lot of room, edit them. How often do you use the cookbook? If you've had it for years but it's never gotten a single stain or burn from use, donate it.

That Pile of Mail

If you can't finish the mail, don't start the mail. You can't slice chicken for dinner and sort your bills at the same time, so when you come in the front door with a stack of mail, put it in the basket, box, or whatever container you have handy for this purpose. You don't have such a container? No wonder there are so many piles of mail around your house.

When you're ready, take your mail basket to wherever you deal with paperwork. First, pull out the circulars and flyers and set them aside; you'll either clip the coupons or put them in the recycling bin—later. Also set aside the catalogs. If you're shopping for something specific, save them. (Caveat: no multiples. The new catalog replaces the old one, which gets recycled.) If you're getting catalogs you never wanted in the first place, pull off the pages with the mailing label and put them aside; that's an action item for later. Then separate the rest: bills, personal correspondence, time-sensitive invitations, requests for charitable donations, membership renewals, new credit card offers, and so forth.

Open the bills first because they represent a relationship that must be honored; if you want the services, you have to pay. All the stuffing that says "You've been selected to receive these free gifts" goes into the recycling bin. All you want is the bill and the return envelope.

Put any invitations aside; later on, you'll transfer those into your calendar and send your response.

If there's room in your home office, have small bins in which to stack bills, invitations, and the correspondence you're keeping.

When you're done sorting, then you can read your magazines. Or get those back pages you ripped out, call the companies that sent them, and tell them what you don't want—their catalogs.

Your Overstuffed Closet

Lots of folks have a lot of "someday" best. Someday I'm going to fit into these again. Someday this trend might return. Someday I'm going to wear this. The problem is, "someday" doesn't exist; there's only today. Here's what to do with what's being worn only by your hangers.

Clothes that don't fit: If you've gained weight, keep the smaller-sized clothes that you'll get the most use from and work on fitting into them again. If you've already lost weight, don't keep a whole closetful of big clothes as though one day you're going to suddenly be struck fat; donate them.

Trend items: If you're waiting for something to come back in style, don't. Even if it does return, it will look dated—and so will you.

Special occasion outfits: The rule that says "If you haven't worn it in a year, donate it" is a fine guide for when to say goodbye.

Sentimental pieces: You say, "I really loved this jacket." I know you did. But if you haven't worn it in ages and it doesn't work with your other clothes, it's time for it to go away. If you're saving your wedding dress, be honest—do you have the space to store it? Do you have a daughter you're saving it for, and is it a timeless classic she won't roll her eyes at? If the answers are yes, keep it. If you're short on storage space, you have only sons, or your dress has puffy sleeves, lace, and buttons up the arms because you did a kind of Linda Ronstadt circa 1974 thing, give it to a thrift store or DonateMyDress.org, which provides formal wear to girls who can't afford prom or special occasion dresses.

Now that you have a closetful of clothes that you actually wear, organize them—all the short-sleeved shirts together, all the jeans together, etc. Do the same with your shoes. If you have the space, they can be kept on shelves so you can see them immediately. If not, try stacking shelves or hanging shoe racks.

The Drawer Full of Photos

If you don't have time to put your photos in an album or scrapbook, it's okay to stop pretending you're going to do it. Get clear shoe boxes to store them in instead.

Then get a kitchen timer. Why? Because sorting through photos leads to reminiscing, and suddenly it's three hours later. But you're not looking at photos now—you're organizing them so that looking at them later will be more fun. Decide how long you have and set the timer.

Group the photos by subject—the family reunion, your trip to Istanbul. While you're grouping, you're also sorting: Is it a clear picture? Do you even know who those people are? Throw away any that don't measure up, and any in which you can't stand the sight of yourself. When you're done, label the boxes accordingly: "Family Reunion, February 2008."

The Inherited Items and Mementos from Aunt So-and-So or Uncle Joe

Your home is not a museum. Many people subscribe to the unwritten rule that you're obligated to keep your great-aunt's dishes, even if you don't like them, just because she used them. But maybe your great-aunt never liked them either and also felt too guilty to let them go. Things don't have to become yours simply because they belonged to a relative. You're not living her life, and you're not a bad person for giving inherited items away.

If the acquired stuff is worth money, you may feel bound to it financially: "It's real silver—I can't give it away." Yes, you can. Donate it, document what it's worth, and take it off your taxes. Or give it to another family member who would really like it. Or sell it on eBay. And if you like something enough to keep it, consider it a replacement, not an addition—keep Grandma's reading lamp, but donate the one you already have.

Mementos from your own life are harder to part with because when you see them, you relive the story: To you, it's the cashmere V-neck you wore on your first date with the man who would become your husband; to anyone else, it's just an old sweater full of holes. The key to parting with items suspended in time is not to replay that story. Leave the room, come back in, and see what you're really holding on to—a sweater that's seen better days. Rule of thumb: If it serves no purpose, let it go.

At the end of this project, you'll have accomplished three goals: There will be less stuff, what's left will be in order, and everything will be in containers that work with your space. Being organized isn't about getting rid of everything you own or trying to become a different person; it's about living the way you want to live, but better. There are enough things in the world that you can't control—but you can bring some order into your home and your life.

If you think this can't be accomplished in time for the holidays, how about setting your sights now on a 2010 New Year's resolution? Start now with what you know can be finished; pick up the rest come January 1st.

Happy Monday- and thanks to all who made our Buffalo and Pittsburgh concerts this past weekend so absolutely fantastic- we loved spending time with you!

The biggest myths about swine flu- you need to hear these.

It's a pandemic!  That sounded scary enough this past Spring, didn't it?  And health officials told us we'd really be in for it come our regular cold and flu season, didn't they?  So, the time is now. But just how bad is swine flu, really?

In many ways, it's really not that different from seasonal flu, experts say. But there are some important distinctions, so we've got the word from Prevention magazine: the good, the bad, and likely for most of us who get H1N1 this season- the ugly.

It's natural to feel a little anxious, if not downright panicky, about the possibility of you or a family member catching the swine flu. But before you worry about worst-case scenarios, let's put some things in perspective. The fact is, seasonal flu—the kind that circulates every fall and winter, year after year—kills 30,000 to 40,000 people. We just don't read about every single hospitalization or complication in the news. In comparison, current government predictions are calling for anywhere from 30,000 to 90,000 swine flu-related deaths this fall. That may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that it's out of hundreds of millions of potential infections—meaning that even as a worst-case scenario, only a small percentage of the U.S. population would get seriously sick.

It's also just an early-in-the season ballpark estimate. Cases could decrease if everyone were to get vaccinated and take all the right precautions, especially washing their hands frequently and staying home when sick, says Robert Belshe, M.D., professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and director of the vaccine center at Saint Louis University, which is conducting clinical trials for the swine flu vaccine.

We're worried about swine flu because it's new—and there are so many misconceptions about how dangerous it is, who's at risk and the best ways to avoid it. Before you stress further (it's bad for your immune system, you know) read the truth behind these seven common swine flu rumors. It might mean the difference between getting sick and staying flu free.

1. Swine flu is much worse than seasonal flu

So far, swine flu doesn't seem to be more virulent than seasonal flu (symptoms are largely the same), but it is slightly more contagious. According to a new study from Cornell University, every person infected with swine flu puts 1.5 other people at risk in the few days before they themselves experience symptoms. With seasonal flu, that number is about 1.3.

Part of the reason why swine flu is more transmissible is that most people don't have any immunity to it, unlike other seasonal flu strains, to which we may have been exposed before (this gives our immune system a leg up in fighting off the virus.)

2. Young, healthy people shouldn't worry

Unlike seasonal flu, which has the most serious health effects in people older than 65, with swine flu incidences so far, 75 percent of serious cases and 60 percent of deaths have occurred in people younger than 49, according to recent CDC data. But some experts believe that it's not so much that young people are more vulnerable, it's that older adults are less at risk. About one-third of adults over age 60 have some kind of pre-existing immunity to the H1N1 strain, according to CDC data. (There were likely strains similar to the current swine flu circulating when they were children).

What this means for you: Unless you have a chronic condition that's shown to increase complications of swine flu (pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, or heart, kidney, or liver disease), you'll likely battle the flu and come out just fine, says Allison Aiello, Ph.D., assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. But that doesn't mean you should blow off preventive measures. No matter what your age, be a vigilant hand washer and instill the habit in your kids. Get vaccinated for swine flu if you're eligible (as well as for seasonal flu). Avoid people who are sick if you can. And pay attention to symptoms (most commonly fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, sneezing, muscle aches, fatigue/exhaustion—and in some cases, diarrhea, headache and a stiff neck). If you feel sick, don't be a warrior. Stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids to help ensure that your body fights off the flu instead of developing complications.

3. The flu vaccine can cause the flu

"We hear this rumor all the time," says Rachel Vreeman, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics in the Children's Health Services Research Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine. "A lot of people will say, 'I don't want to get the flu shot because I got a minor case of the flu from it once.'" First, you should know that flu shots are made with dead strains of the virus, which means they can't replicate. While you can get swelling and achiness at the injection site and a low-grade fever, this is just how some peoples' bodies respond to the vaccine. They're not symptoms of the flu, only a minor side effect of getting the shot. They should pass in about 24 hours or so.

4. It's better to get the flu than get vaccinated

Because many swine flu cases in the spring were so mild, there were rumblings of some parents wanting to pull a chicken pox-party move: Bring your healthy kid into contact with a swine flu-infected one, so he could get sick, recover and develop immunity to the virus on his own. However, most flu experts, including the CDC, could not disagree with this strategy more.

The problem, in a nutshell, is that there's no way to tell how a given person will respond to flu infection. The vast majority will recover well, but in some otherwise healthy children and adults, it can take a serious, even life-threatening turn. "The risk of side effects from the flu vaccine is very low, and right now the risk of contracting the flu is very high," says Belshe.

5. If you get swine flu, go to the ER

If your flu case is mild, the best thing to do is stay home and treat the symptoms (take a fever/pain reducer, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and get plenty of rest and fluids) and avoid infecting others. A trip to the ER will likely just expose you to people who are sicker than you, increase wait times for people who really need the medical attention, and give you the opportunity to unwittingly infect others, says Stephen Morse, Ph.D., professor of clinical epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. If you're concerned, see your doctor and ask for an antiviral medication, but these are best used for people at risk of flu complications or who have severe cases—most healthy people don't need them. At best, they'll shave half a day to a day off your symptoms. Keep in mind they're most effective within the first 24 hours of symptom onset.

Of course, if you have risk factors for flu complications, see your doctor right away. And be aware of the following warning signs from the CDC, which should prompt you to get immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

6. Masks keep you safe

The effectiveness of masks for average people (not health care workers) is still debatable. Most experts agree that vaccines and perhaps regular hand washing are far more effective flu fighters than are masks. One time when they may be useful: If you're the one who is sick, donning a mask may prevent the spread of airborne particles that could then infect others. If you're taking care of sick children, wearing a mask might not be a bad idea. But to walk around with one if you're not infected is probably not doing much. In fact, some experts worry that wearing masks might provide people with a false sense of security—and make them less likely to wash their hands as vigorously or observe other healthy protective habits.

7. Go back to work once you feel better

This isn't the time to be a hero at the office. Experts urge swine flu sufferers, both kids and adults, to stay home for at least 24 hours after fever goes away without the use of fever-reducing meds. You can still shed some flu virus after symptoms are gone. Based on data from infections last spring, most non-hospitalized people had a fever for two to four days, which would lead to being out of work or school for three to five days on average.

The best defense we've all got in this first full season of H1N1 is knowledge- get it? Show your friends and family, too- I'm sure they'd rather deal with the truth than get mixed up in a whole lot of confusion.  Gotta go- washing my hands again!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Speed Clean the Healthy Way

Who isn't interested in having a clean, tidy, fresh-smelling house?  But hearing that the wrong cleaning methods can exacerbate allergies (even cause them) or asthma, or possibly spread disease-causing toxins through your home, suddenly a little mess doesn't seem so bad. Paige Greenfield, a contributor to Prevention magazine, led the way to quiz leading immunologists, microbiologists, and cleaning experts to find the healthiest ways to tidy up.

Surprise! The safest ways to clean can also be the quickest- yay, because here's the weekend! Even better: It's okay to leave behind a little grime! See if you can answer the same quiz- which is healthier?

Which is healthier: Deodorizing with a scented candle or an air freshener?

Answer: Neither. "You're just masking a foul odor by introducing a stronger one," says James Sublett, MD, chief of pediatric allergy and immunology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Worse, candles release particles of soot, and candles and air fresheners give off synthetic fragrances--all of which can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. If you love the look of candles, don't despair--try unscented beeswax candles, which have a light honey fragrance that won't worsen symptoms. (They also produce much less soot than paraffin.) But the healthiest way to get rid of an odor is to crack open a window and turn on a fan to circulate air.

Which is healthier: Sponge mop or rag mop?

Answer: Sponge mop. Even after rinsing, more dirt and bacteria sticks to the strands of a rag mop than to the sponge. Besides, the sponge's flat surface cleans more effectively. Use a solution of 1 ounce of bleach per quart of water, plus some soap, to clean floors. When you're done, rinse the mop with a fresh batch of the solution, says Philip M. Tierno Jr., PhD, director of clinical microbiology at New York University Medical Center. Stand the mop up in the shower to dry to keep germs from multiplying.

Which is healthier: Dropping a tablet into the tank or using a toilet brush?

Answer: Toilet brush. Though tablets release cleansers with each flush, you still need to scrub to get rid of dirt, says Tierno. Try pouring 1 cup of bleach into the toilet before going to bed. The bleach breaks down bacteria and fungus overnight, making your job easier.  (Just make sure to leave the lid down in case you've got a canine friend who enjoys a good slurp out of the toilet...don't worry- your isn't the only one!)

Which is healthier: The oven's self-cleaning feature or elbow grease?
Answer: Clean it yourself. A "self-cleaning" appliance may seem convenient, but it can create a toxic home environment, says Jeff May, a certified indoor air quality investigator and author of Jeff May's Healthy Home Tips. The feature heats the oven as high as 900°F and burns off everything inside. Even if the oven is sealed tightly, it'll release smoke, fumes, and carbon monoxide, he says. Instead, sprinkle baking soda in a quarter-inch layer. Spritz the baking soda with water until damp, says Annie Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living. Let it sit overnight--the grime should lift right off the next day.

Which is healthier: Cleaning a humidifier once a week or not using one?

Answer: Not using one. Dry air parches nasal passages, making you more vulnerable to catching a virus. But a humidifier does more harm than good because it encourages mold growth, which can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, Sublett explains. Measure the relative humidity in your home with a hygrometer (such as Honeywell's digital wireless one, $25, amazon.com), and make sure it falls between 35 and 65%, says May. Too low? Float some blossoms in bowls of water throughout the house; as the water evaporates, the humidity will rise.

Which is healthier: Bleach or ammonia?

Answer: Bleach. Ammonia fumes are more irritating to the skin, eyes, nose, and lungs, Tierno says. Bleach is better at cutting dirt and killing germs. But a little goes a long way: One ounce of bleach per quart of water will remove the toughest mold from the tightest spots. Whatever you do, don't mix bleach and ammonia. The combination creates chloramine, a gas that can damage your airways.

Which is healthier: Cleaning pet accidents with baking soda or vinegar?
Answer: Vinegar. Animal excrement is full of bacteria and possibly parasites. The most important thing to do is to break up the enzymes in the urine or stool, says Sarah Hodgson, author of Puppies for Dummies, because the enzymes are what encourage your animal to mark in the same spot again. Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half mixture of vinegar (apple cider or white) and water. Saturate the area with the solution and pat it dry with a paper towel; repeat and let dry.

Next time you're dishing the dirt- literally?  Try some natural solutions for the dirt, with these very effective, and very gentle, products next time you've got a mess to deal with:

For Stains: Use baking soda Sprinkle it on the stain until completely covered; spray with water. When baking soda is absorbed, wipe clean with a cloth.

For Mold, bacteria, and grease: Use vinegar Fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar. Saturate the affected area and then simply let the vinegar evaporate.

For Soot, wax, and oil: Use washing soda (sodium carbonate) on stone or glass. A cousin to baking soda, it can be found in the detergent aisle. Make a thick paste with 1 4 cup of soda and water. Cover stain and let it set for an hour; scrub.

Weekend's here.  No one really wants to spend it cleaning the house, so it seems like a pretty good idea to do it the best way, the safest way, the fastest way, the first time!

Finally, today, we lift our hearts in memory of the victims of 9/11, and love for their families. You are never forgotten.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Feeling a little too crowded in "your space"?

Feel like you're running out of space for all your stuff? LifeOrganizers.com is behind these 10 simple ideas for using your space more effectively. 

1. INSUFFICIENT OR INEFFECTIVE? Do you have insufficient storage space or ineffective storage space? There's a big difference. Insufficient storage space means you don't have enough space for your things. Ineffective space means you have enough space for your  things, but you're not making the best use of that space. Most closets and cabinets have the volume to hold twice as much as they are usually constructed for. And you probably have quite a few nooks and crannies for storage that you haven't even thought of. Of course, it's important to make sure you don't have things you don't like, things that are outdated, things you could be donating- but it is also important to have effective storage space for the things you do like and enjoy.

2. ADD-A-ROD. Looking for extra storage space in your closet? If you have the type of closet with two+ walls for hanging clothes, on one wall hang a rod at head height for long clothing (dresses, pants, etc.). On the other wall, hang two rods- one above the other- for shorter clothing (shirts, skirts, blazers, etc.) In other words, you're not restricted to only one clothing rod.

3. INSTALL SHELVES. Most shelves can be moved up-a-notch or down-a-notch. If you have three inches of space above your linens, you may consider adjusting the shelf so the shelf below it has more space. Or, perhaps you can add another shelf in between. Plastic, multiple level shelves are wonderful for kitchen cabinets. And corner shelves are great for picture frames, knick knacks and other small treasures.

4. USE STORAGE UNITS. Storage units, which can be picked up from housewares or hardware stores, are great space savers. Your spices can be removed from drawers and placed on a spice rack. There are racks for canned goods that, when a can is taken from it, the next can in line rolls forward. Some of these hold over 40 cans! Ice cube trays are inexpensive storage containers for smaller items such as earrings. There are coffee tables on the market with storage space hidden inside. Under bed containers are perfect for storing quilts and linens. Be creative and make use of these great tools!

5. DON'T FORGET ABOUT WALL SPACE. Look around and you're sure to find quite a bit of empty wall space. There are many uses for this new-found space. Pots and pans can be taken out of cabinets and hung on walls. Tools can be placed on peg boards. Shelves can be installed for picture frames and knick knacks. Many stores now carry corner shelves that can be installed in a snap.

6. PUT FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS WITHIN ARMS REACH. Whenever possible, store regularly used items where you use them most. You can, pretty easily, create a toilet paper holder on, say, the back of a bathroom cabinet door with just a small dowel, 2 nails and 2 loops of rope. It holds three rolls of toilet paper, and it's right near the area it's needed most. You shouldn't have to walk from one room to another to retrieve items you use every day. Store linens in the bedroom. Store videos near the television. If you use the scissors in the office area and in the sewing room, have two pairs of scissors, one in each room.

7. ADD-A-DRAWER OR SLIDING SHELF. Many hardware and housewares stores carry drawers that can be installed underneath a cabinet. These are great if you have a home with limited drawer space. In addition, you can also install shelves under cabinets that slide out when you need them, and slide back in when you're finished with them.

8. KEEP YOUR DESK CLEAR. A clear desk is directly related to your productivity. You will get more done, if you're not constantly under a pile of papers and files. A sturdy, full-suspension filing cabinet is a must for any home or office. Portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders also come in handy. There are plenty of storage choices for CD-roms and diskettes. Desk supplies belong in an on-the-desk caddy or in trays inside your desk.

9. REARRANGE. Everyone is different, and has different needs. Make your home or office work for you. What if you, for example, have a dining room that you never use- even when you have company over? Maybe your friends and family gather, typically, in a large and inviting kitchen you do have, so you'll not ever be likely to start using your dining room. Next, maybe you've got your home office trapped down in your dark basement.  Starting to see the connection here? Rearrangement, my friend, is in order here, to turn that dining room into your new office. Using all your space efficiently requires new thinking about your surroundings to make them work for you, even if they seem a little out of the ordinary.

10. ROTATE. You may have many items you love in your home or office, but not enough space. Rotate them. In other words, keep some things in storage for a month or two and display some of your things. Then, once that time is up, make the switch. The items on display go into storage; the items in storage go on display.  You use all your things- just not all at once- pretty neat idea!

And the neatest thing?  A newly efficient space that makes you feel good, and that makes you, and your family, work more efficiently all the way around!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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New Uses for Old Things- that will save you some time, too!

Pretty cool to get some new, or "Oh!  Hadn't thought of that!" use from things you probably already have at home, and save yourself a little time in your day, too!  Real Simple shines the light, so get ready to dig through your catch-all drawers for what you need:

1.

Slow Silver Tarnishing with Chalk

Original Purpose: Drawing the lines for a rousing game of hopscotch.
Aha! Use: Slowing the tarnish on your good silver. Tie up a few moisture-absorbing pieces in cheesecloth and store them with your cutlery.
Reward: Shinier flatware that reflects well on you in no time flat. Now here's an idea.  Go ahead and do this, then wait until your spouse goes to clean the silver before your next special dinner.  How about that for an unexpected surprise?

2. 

Organize Linens with Binder Clips

Original Purpose: Keeping your morning briefing in order.
Aha Use: Restoring order in the linen closet. Store sets of napkins clipped together and they'll always be ready to set the scene at dinnertime.
Reward: No minutes wasted searching for elusive matching colors.

3.

Clean Your Dishwasher with Lemonade Kool-Aid

Original Purpose: Quenching your thirst.
Aha! Use: Cleaning lime deposits and iron stains inside the dishwasher. Pour a packet of lemonade Kool-Aid (the only flavor that works) into the detergent cup and run the dishwasher while empty.
Reward: The citric acid in the mix wipes out stains, so you don't have to.

4.

Use WD-40 to Remove Crayon Marks

Original Purpose: Greasing a squeaky wheel.
Aha! Use: Removing crayon from almost any surface: plastic, metal, TV screens, freshly painted walls. Just apply a small amount and rub away with a clean cloth.
Reward: The living room won't look like a romper room after little Sammy's visit.

5.

Use Eggshells to Clean Bottles and Vases

Original Purpose: Playing a central role in the chicken-and-egg debate.
Aha! Use: Cleaning the hard-to-reach places in bottles and vases. Drop some crushed shells in the bottle, add warm water and a drop of dishwashing liquid, and give it a good swirl.
Reward: Shells that scrape off the gunk you can't get to, so you can save your elbow grease for the dinner dishes.  Well...I guess that's a bonus.

6.

Remove Adhesive with Mayonnaise

Original Purpose: Key tuna-salad ingredient.
Aha! Use: Adhesive remover that banishes old stickers from mirrors, glass, and bumpers. Apply a generous helping to persistent adhesives and coax off with a flexible putty knife.
Reward: Unstick sticky surfaces without the noxious fumes, or the cost, of the commercial stuff.

7.

Laundry Bag as Dishwasher Item Saver

Original Purpose: Saving delicate unmentionables from getting stretched in the spin cycle.
Aha! Use: Keeping mini Tupperware lids, baby-bottle caps, and other small items from falling through the dishwasher rack.
Reward: No more diving for treasure on the floor of the dishwasher.

I'm thinking about sticking some stickers around the office walls for awhile, just so I can have a go at the mayo trick!  Have a super Monday-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

10 Tips for Reinventing Your Home- Go ahead- it's worth it!

Now that homeowners no longer obsess about how much their homes have increased in value in the past week, they're reacquainting themselves with the joys of home ownership from a new, healthier perspective.

Recognizing that larger is not necessarily better and that less can actually be more, many homeowners are looking for ways to make the homes they're in more useful, comfortable and enjoyable.

Here is Jay MacDonald from Bankrate.com with the ideas that may help you make the house you're in your dream home:

1. Show your true colors. "Paint is the cheapest and most powerful thing you can do to put your personal stamp on a home," says Barbara Corcoran, a New York City real-estate agent and NBC's "Today" show real-estate expert. "Paint your home the colors you enjoy living with, the colors you feel happiest within."

2. Ditch some stuff. "You probably have more stuff than you need. Get rid of some of it," says James Gauer, author of "The New American Dream: Living Well in Small Homes."

3. Start simple. Find the simplest remodeling solution within your home's existing footprint before considering expanding its size, says Marc Vassallo, co-author of "Not So Big Remodeling: Tailoring Your Home for the Way You Really Live."

4. Dine in a booth. "I've yet to see a small living/dining room where a free-floating dining table and chairs really works," Gauer says. "A dining banquette against the wall looks and feels luxurious and comfortable while taking up considerably less space."

5. Check out books. "Put a wall of books in any room and it's cozy and inviting," Corcoran says.

6. Consolidate doorways. "Attempt to locate all the doorways to the kitchen on one side of the room and eliminate any that are not absolutely necessary," Vassallo says. "This leaves the rest of the kitchen for continuous countertop and appliance arrangement while limiting the flow of foot traffic through the work area."

7. Plan your furniture first. "Never buy furniture without first laying out a furniture plan," Gauer says. "Chances are, that sofa you're eyeing is too big and will just make your living room feel crowded."

8. Let there be light. "The right lighting can make a heck of an improvement,"  Corcoran says. "Throw in task lighting to make tasks easier, mood light to make a room sexier. And don't forget dimmers! I can't imagine lighting without them."

9. Add a column. "Create a more open floor plan by removing a wall and replacing it with a new support beam and columns," Vassallo says. "Columns allow for differentiation of places with minimal view obstruction."

10. Dare to be modest. "Modesty requires us to arrange our homes first and foremost to suit the real needs of our private lives with no thought to public display, to eschew the showy and unnecessary and embrace the appropriate and suitable," Gauer says.

Selling your home right now just may not be in your cards.  That's why we have a great cliche to fall back on, "Love the one you're with."  Weekend's upon us?  Got a little spare time for a little reinvention?  Could find yourself falling in love- with your home- all over again.  Have a great weekend-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

The 10 Worst Germ Hot Spots

You may scrub your toilet and counter tops until they shine, but Prevention magazine has listed some scary new bacteria breeding grounds that require just as much attention. Germs (the catchall name for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms) are everywhere--at home, in the office, even in your car. Luckily, about 99% of them can't harm us. But the other 1% can be annoying, uncomfortable, or downright scary: Most of these pathogens are either viral or bacterial and can cause everything from a runny nose to a potentially life-threatening infection.

We've heard in recent years some of the most obvious places that germs propagate--the doctor's office, the soles of your shoes--but many more germ-friendly locales are completely unexpected yet no less dangerous. We uncovered a host of surprising new spots where germs like to lurk, and offer easy solutions to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

1. Forget the kitchen sink- try the kitchen faucet!
That metal aeration screen at the end of the faucet is a total germ magnet. Running water keeps the screen moist, an ideal condition for bacteria growth. Because tap water is far from sterile, if you accidentally touch the screen with dirty fingers or food, bacteria can grow on the faucet, explains microbiologist Kelly Reynolds, PhD, an associate professor of community environment and policy at the University of Arizona College of Public Health. Over time, bacteria build up and form a wall of pathogens called biofilm that sticks to the screen. "Eventually, that biofilm may even be big enough to break off and get onto your food or dishes," she notes.

Keep It Clean: Once a week, remove the screen and soak it in a diluted bleach solution--follow the directions on the label. Replace the screen, and let the water run a few minutes before using.

2. The garbage disposal- might not be disposing of germs!
Bacteria from last night’s dinner could end up on today’s food and utensils if you’re not careful. That raw chicken or spinach you're rinsing for dinner is often loaded with harmful bacteria, which can make the young, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system seriously ill. In fact, there are often more than 500,000 bacteria in the kitchen sink--about 1,000 times more than the average toilet has. Although the metal part of the disposal produces ions that can help kill germs, they still love to grow on the crevices in and around the slimy rubber stopper. That means your disposal can become party central for bacteria, contaminating whatever touches it--dishes, utensils, even your hands.

Keep It Clean: At least once a week, clean the disposal's rubber stopper with a diluted bleach solution--soap and water aren't enough.

3. Your welcome mat? Very welcoming, but not of what you want.
It serves to greet not only your guests but also all the bugs on the bottoms of their shoes. In fact, one study found that nearly 96% of shoe soles had traces of coliform, which includes fecal bacteria. "The area near your front door is one of the dirtiest in the house," says Reynolds. Once bacteria plant their stakes in your mat, anytime you walk on it, you give them a free ride into your home.

Keep It Clean: Spray the doormat once a week with a fabric-safe disinfectant (such as Lysol Disinfectant Spray). Leave shoes at the door, and avoid resting bags and groceries on the mat, too.

4. Vacuum cleaner
It’s all in the bag—including spreadable germs. "Vacuums--including the brushes and bags--are like meals-on-wheels for bacteria," says Charles Gerba, PhD, professor of environmental biology at the University of Arizona "You suck in all this bacteria and food, creating an atmosphere for growth." A recent study by Gerba and his team found that 13% of all vacuum cleaner brushes tested positive for E. coli, which means you could spread it around the house each time you use the appliance.

Keep It Clean: Change your vacuum bag frequently, and do so outdoors to avoid the cloud of bacteria that filters into the air. (Vacuum bags that feature antibacterial linings are best, and are available for many major brands.) Clean the cavity of a bagless vacuum with diluted bleach and let it air-dry.

5. Dish towels
You know a sponge can harbor nasty germs, but dish towels are just as dangerous. A recent study of hundreds of homes across the United States found that about 7% of kitchen towels were contaminated with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), the difficult-to-treat staph bacteria that can cause life-threatening skin infections. Dish towels also rated tops for dangerous strains of E. coli and other bacteria. We often use towels to wipe up spills, says Reynolds, then reuse before washing them, which spreads germs.

Keep It Clean: Stick to paper towels to clean countertops, and save the dishrag to dry just-washed pots and plates. Change towels or launder at least twice a week in hot water and bleach.

6. Car dashboard
This is your vehicle's second-most-common spot for bacteria and mold. Here’s why: When air—which carries mold spores and bacteria—gets sucked in through the vents, it's often drawn to the dashboard, where it can deposit the spores and germs. Because the dashboard receives the most sun and tends to stay warm, it's prime for growth. (The number one germ zone? Food spills.)

Keep It Clean: Regularly swipe the inside of your car with disinfecting wipes. Be more vigilant during allergy season—about 20 million Americans are affected by asthma, which is caused in part by an allergic reaction to mold.

7. Soap dispensers
About 25% of public restroom dispensers are contaminated by fecal bacteria. Soap that harbors bacteria may sound ironic, but that’s exactly what a recent study found. "Most of these containers are never cleaned, so bacteria grows as the soap scum builds up," says Gerba. "And the bottoms are touched by dirty hands, so there's a continuous culture going on feeding millions of bacteria."

Keep It Clean: Be sure to scrub hands thoroughly for 15 to 20 seconds with plenty of hot water--and if you have an alcohol gel disinfectant, use that, too.

8. Restaurant ketchup bottle
Eww. Those condiments on the tabletop are grimier than you think. It's the rare eatery that regularly bleaches down condiment containers. And the reality is that many people don't wash their hands before eating, says Reynolds. So while you may be diligent, the guy who poured the ketchup before you may not have been, which means his germs are now on your fries.

Keep It Clean: Squirt hand sanitizer on the outside of the bottle or use a disinfectant wipe before you grab it. Holding the bottle with a napkin won't help--they're porous, so microorganisms can walk right through, says Reynolds.

9. Refrigerator seal
Do you scrub the inside of your fridge? It’s not enough. A University of Arizona survey of 160 homes in three US cities found that the seal around the fridge tested positive 83% of the time for common molds. The mold can spread every time the refrigerator door opens--exposing anyone who's susceptible to allergies and potentially contaminating the food.

Keep It Clean: Wipe fridge seals at least once a week with a diluted bleach solution or disinfectant.

10. And finally- something dear and quite near to you every day- your cell phone
Drop your cell any place that’s convenient? Read this first. Several studies on cell phones and PDAs found that they carry tons of bacteria, including staph (which can cause skin infections), pseudomonas (eye infections), and salmonella (stomach ailments). Many electronic devices are sheathed in leather or vinyl cases, which provide plenty of creases and crevices for germs to hide.

Keep It Clean: Use a disinfecting wipe a few times a week, and be conscious of where you rest personal items.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.