11.22.2010

The Effect Your Cell Phone May Be Having On Your Skin

Got a rash or breakout on one side of your face? It may not be your pillow, but your cell phone that’s the culprit. You have no idea how dangerous a life your phone really leads. The average lifespan of a cell phone is somewhere around two years - and two years is a lot of time for bacteria to accumulate on your device.

We all know that germs are everywhere, but consider that when they’re on your phone, they infect your fingertips, then your face. With each call, you are now pressing all that collected gunk against your cheek which may be causing a new medical condition some British scientists are calling mobile dermatitis

Other recent studies show a cell phones harbor 18 times more germs than a men’s room flush handle. Imagine if you rested your one side of your face on a public toilet flush handle for say 20 minutes a day. What do you think would happen to your complexion?

Zits From Your Cell Phone

Considering how much bacteria has been found on a average cell phone, at the very least it will lead to pimples and rashes, or worse a flu or other type of nasty infection. If you rubbed your face against a public handrail for hours a day, you would break out too.

Everyone wants to look great, and part of that is doing everything you can to keep your complexion looking clear. A modern health tip is to clean the one item you probably use more than anything else throughout the day: your cell phone. Not only will it help reduce your chances of a flu infection, but it will make it that much easier to look and feel your best.

To learn more about the health risks of using a dirty cell phone and best personal electronic hygiene practices visit www.mobilehygiene.org

11.04.2010

First Case of MRSA Infection From Cell Phone Reported

The threat of infection from cell phones is real, according to Dr. Jennifer Ashton, medical correspondent for CBS News, who recently reported the first known case of MRSA Infection from a cell phone. Studies have previously warned of the potential for pathogenic infections and have specifically cited the presence of the superbug MRSA on cell phones, but this is first known case where a patient has actually contracted the bug from their phone.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a harmful bacterium that is particularly dangerous because it is resistant to many types of anti-biotics such as methicillin, and penicillin.  Since this strain of Staph is so difficult to treat it’s important to take every precaution in regards to our health. Other nasty viruses can also live on your cell phone including E. coli, influenza and meningitis-causing microorganisms.

Groups at greater risk for infection are:
•    Children
•    College students living in dorms
•    Soldiers
•    Women who are pregnant
•    The elderly
•    Frequenters of gyms

How to Reduce Exposure to MRSA Infection From Cell Phone

Ditching your cell phone or using it less is simply not an option, your cell phone is a vital part of your day whether you are a politician, a surgeon, a busy mom or in the 8th grade. Therefore, the smartest thing to do is clean cell phones regularly, wiping down their surfaces including screens and keypads with a disinfectant or other cleaning solution (but make sure to not damage your cell phone in the process).

By incorporating “mobile hygiene” into your daily routine, just like checking your Facebook is now part of your routine, you are reducing the germs that build up on your phone, and your exposure to virulent bacteria every time you make a call or receive a text. 
Clean your cell phone regularly, and enjoy a healthier mobile communication experience.
Have you gotten sick and suspect your cell phone as the possible cause?
To learn more about Mobile Hygiene tips, visit www.mobilehygiene.org