Simple Manners: Cell Phones Are Personal Items

Research
Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of environmental biology at the University of Arizona, has conducted numerous germ studies in pursuit of greater information on the spread of disease through cell phones.

He has determined that cell phones are among the dirtiest surfaces we touch everyday, even dirtier than a toilet seat. Consider The germ counts found during a recent study of cells at offices in major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, Washington DC, San Francisco and New York. This study showed that the average cell phone contains 25,127 germs per square inch. Compare that to desktops which contained around 20,961 germs per square inch or toilet seats with 49 germs per square inch.

Dr. Gerba, who is often referred to as 'Dr. Germ' has revealed that he once tested 25 mobile phones and found staph bacteria growing on fifty percent of them. The staph bug can cause skin infections and meningitis, among other maladies.

Keep it to Yourself
Considering the statistics the wise man or woman should take pains to protect themselves and others from the spread of harmful germs. This is easy to do and simply requires responsible use.

In short, you should not borrow another person's cell phone and neither should you allow anyone to use yours without cleaning it first.

Although we may not think about it much, cell phones are actually quite personal. The cell is in constant contact with your hands, face and mouth which are all highly susceptible to the transmission of germs.

In addition, when your cell is not in use, it is generally stored somewhere closed and warm like a pocket or a purse. Because of the warmth and potential moisture, these are both great breeding areas for any germs and bacteria that has found its way to your phone.

Tips to Maintain a Germ-Free Cell Phone
In order to prevent the spread of germs via your cell phone, follow these guidelines:

• Wash your hands frequently. It is a great idea to make a habit of periodically washing your hands. The hands touch so much throughout the day and pick up so many germs. Keeping clean hands, washed with hot soapy water, is a great first step to maintaining cell phone health.
• Keep your phone clean. There are products on the market for cleaning your phone, but all you really need is a good old fashioned alcohol wipe. Use one periodically throughout the day to kill germs. This really works.
• Regard your phone as a personal item. Sure, your children and spouse will play on your phone, especially if it is a smartphone/android type. But, besides them you should really keep it to yourself. It may seem difficult to tell someone "No" if you are asked to use your phone. Keep in mind that your phone is personal. You keep it in your purse or pocket, you put it to your face throughout the day and you carry it into your home. With that in mind, hopefully you can find a way to let the person know that you are not comfortable with him or her using your cell. Perhaps you can even just let them know that this is a predetermined policy you have and that you never allow others to use your cell phone. Think of it as a comb or tooth brush, you would never let another use either of these.

• In case of an emergency, be a good neighbor. This advice to not share your phone is intended to speak to everyday situations and circumstances. In the case of an emergency you may want to consider either dialing for the other person, allowing them to use your phone with headphones or the speaker or just allowing them to use the phone themselves. Remember, if you can keep your phone sanitized, this won't be a major deal, and you should be perfectly fine. Rise to the occasion and be there when you are needed.
• Don't handle your cell phone at the table. Wash your hands before you eat and don't pick up your device until you are finished with your meal. Not only is it rude to use your phone at the table it's unsanitary.