MobileHygiene.org

Say Bon Voyage to Germs on your Cell Phone

2011-05-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. It is now safe to turn on your electronic devices for the remainder of the flight.” As a traveler, you know how relieving this announcement can be because, if you’re like most people today, your cell phone or smartphone is your most useful device during your journey.

Our cell phones, laptops, and tablets allow us to stay connected to our jobs, family, facebook (very important) and they make our overall traveling experience much easier. Today, various apps allow you to check in on flights, create itineraries, convert currency, and translate spoken words into multiple languages. Add in the photo capturing, music player and mobile web capabilities, and our cell phones and smartphones get handled a lot during trips.

A New Health Risk to Mobile Users

Now research shows that an average cell phone carries more germs than a public toilet seat, and most phones are covered with nasty creatures like Staphylococcus, MRSA and many others that not only will make you sick, but also, in severe cases, can be deadly. Scary? We think so too. It’s no secret that we are more prone to infection from germs while traveling, so taking time to clean your cell phone is a good idea.

Considering how often we snuggle up against our phones during a call, or text away during lunch, or perhaps plan the next leg of our trip from an exotic coast, cleaning the only item that follows us everywhere and often touches our face is a wise tip for today’s travelers.

Don’t let being sick put a damper on your next excursion. Clean your cell phone and tell your friends and family to do the same.

Safe and happy travels.

The CleenCell® Mobile Hygiene Campaign promotes personal electronic hygiene in hospitals, schools and homes. Cleaning your cell phone or electronic device can scratch the screen or damage the electronics of your phone. Use only products that are designed specifically to clean mobile electronics devices. CleenCell® Wipes are a reliable source.

Spring Cleaning Your Cell Phone is a Good Idea

2011-03-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

Flowers are blooming, birds are serenading, and Apple just released a new device so springtime must be here. If you're not busy standing in line for an iPad 2, chances are you are cleaning and de-cluttering your home. So what better time to also clean your beloved cell phone, and health experts agree.

You see the average mobile phone, like other items in your house you use daily, builds up dirt and debris resulting in harmful bacteria touching your hands and face every time you make a call or text. Chances are your cell phone or smartphone went through a lot this winter, from snapping pics on the slopes to texting loved ones on a rainy Valentine's day to perhaps downloading a fun St. Patrick's Day app while at a pub just a few weeks ago. That's why today health experts are adding a new item to cleaning list, except it’s not something that should be cleaned every spring as the snow melts in your backyard, but in fact daily.

It’s easy to overlook such a seemingly small task, after all, the clutter in your house can be intrusive and an obvious jumping off point to spring cleaning (check out some spring cleaning tips here). But when you consider the dozens of news reports and studies in the past few years that prove cell phone are carriers of harmful germs, cleaning your cell phone makes as much sense as well, washing your hands.

Unlike tackling every nook and cranny in your home, wiping down your cell phone is a quick and effortless task, and it directly benefits your health by helping to prevent rashes caused by dirty mobile phones pressed to the face, and reducing the chances of serious infections, including MRSA which have been found in almost every study where cell phones were tested for germs. Plus you’ll actually be able to see your cell phone screen!

Most health experts recommend applying some type of anti-bacterial solution to your phone for effective germ removal and cleaning. But these doctors are not device experts so at the same time be mindful of the sensitive electronics and screen of your phone…you don’t want to get water damage to your cell phone during the cleaning process, or scratch the screen.

There are lots of solutions to use to begin mobile hygiene habits in your home this spring, so do your research and find the best solution for you that fits your lifestyle.

How often do you think a cell phone should be cleaned?

When Gadgets Become Electronic Babysitters

2011-02-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

Based on comments from our facebook fans and articles such as this week's column by David Pogue of the NY Times titled "A Parent's Struggle With a Child's iPad Additiction", there seems to clear trend of parents handing their devices to their kids to keep them quiet, or, as Pogue puts it "fostering a love of music, an affinity for theater and expertise in strategy and problem-solving."

It is true that increasing studies show apps, particularly tablet apps displayed on a large interactive touchscreens can enhance the learning experience. But whether iPads and similar electronics are a good parenting tool or not, we have one suggestion: Clean those grimy iPhones and tablets before handing them to the kids.

photo by umpcportal

Germs on Devices

Research shows an incredible amount of bacteria builds up on our cell phones from daily use. Several reports, particularly here and here have discussed bacteria buildup on iPads and touchscreen devices specifically, and warn readers of picking up germs with every swipe and pinch of the high resolution touchscreen.

Today everyone is increasingly using mobile phones everywhere. Whether it's while gripping the germy handles of a shopping cart, the infested rails of a subway or bus, using your cell phone at the gym, or just sitting on a park bench, we're always touching and handling our phones and bacteria from that environment surely makes its way to the surface of the device.

Mobile Hygiene

This is why doctors for example not only should clean their phones to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals, but also before bringing that same cell phone home...and specially before lending their iPhone to their children to act as magical electronic babysitters, as Pogue admits to doing.

Pogue is right to exercise moderation when handing his 6 year old his iPad, despite the apparent enhanced learning power of apps designed for children. But while his dilemma is rooted in the negative physiological effects of electronics on young minds, other harms from touching and using electronics should also be considered by parents, and bacterial infection from tech devices like tablets and specially cell phones which are held to the face, is one of them.

Do you often lend your cell phone or tablet computer to your children? Are you concerned about any negative effects of your children overusing technology?

Talking Dirty On Good Morning America

2011-01-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

Link to Video Here

Last month Good Morning America randomly tested a few cell phones for bacteria. Their findings: Yuk!

Using a handheld germ reader, the testers found the average phone harbors more germs than an office desk, a computer keyboard, and even a toilet seat. The report also stated that when you pick up a phone about a third of those germs transfer to your hands and subsequently your face. More than half of the mobile phones tested had virulent bacteria at levels that were considered unacceptable to Environmental Scientist Sheri Carlino who conducted the study. One girl even got a score of 442, which meant that her phone contained something like 100,000 bacteria.

“Researchers have found the flu virus, staph infection, MRSA, and more on mobile phones” reports GMA Consumer Correspondent Elisabeth Learny. “Since so many people handle their phones while they’re eating, those germs have a direct path into our bodies.” Ms. Learny warns virtually all cell phone users are at risk because cell phones have become constant companions and extensions of our hands.

The report states over 295,000,000 Americans currently own a cell phone.

MobileHygiene.org is tackling this problem one cell phone and smartphone at a time. We are working with infection prevention experts and occupational health and safety professionals to further research mobile usage trends in places such as hospitals, and to promote “mobile hygiene” practices in health care facilities, schools, food handling establishments, and in our homes. If you're department or colleagues are interested in working with us, please reach us by emailing info@mobilehygiene.org.

Cell phones, for better or worse, are here to stay. They are incredible tools that impact many aspects of our lives and have reached 4 billion users worldwide. It's smart to take action and clean all the cell phones in your home or workplace, specially your own.

If the correspondents on Good Morning America are talking dirty (they are by their own admission) you can bet you are too.

To learn more about the Mobile Hygiene Campaign please visit www.mobilehygiene.com.

NEW YEAR NEW HYGIENE TIP

2011-01-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

You’ve probably already heard than an average cell phone, including yours, likely carries more germs than a public toilet seat. Studies have shown the bacteria exist in large numbers on cell phones, tablet computers, laptops, and other mobile and personal electronic devices which can then be transferred to the user. All it takes to pass it along is one text or one phone call. When the virus is on your fingers it’s easy to transfer it to the nose, mouth, ears, and face. And when you’re on a call with the phone pressed up against your face, the risk of bacteria transfer to the body, as well as rashes and other skin reactions, is even higher. Good Morning America tested a few cell phones in December 2010 with some alarming results.

More research is needed to pin down the true health risks of touching and handling a piece of glass and plastic all day, and holding it close to the face. The question is, are the germs and bacteria found common cell phones harmful to your health? If so, are we supposed to stop using cell phones altogether? (not happening). Should you sterilize your cell phone every night or after every call? Use a protective cover? Only use speakerphone or Bluetooth? What can you do to reduce your health risk to the germ and bacterial accumulation that inevitably builds up on every cell phone, especially popular touchscreen smartphones?

How To Protect Yourself

Consider these tips: Many doctors, including Dr. Oz, suggest "wiping down the phone," and if you use a protective cover, wipe that as well. Since cell phone users are hesitant to apply harsh chemicals and cloths to their expensive phones, some companies such as CleenCell®, have developed pre-moistened wipes specifically designed to clean cell phones, providing convenience and peace of mind for the safety of the device.

Some handset manufactures are adding antimicrobial coatings to devices like the iPhone, iPad and the Galaxy Tab slow down the bacteria buildup. There are even some cell phone cleaning solutions using ultra violet light to clean cell phones.

Clean Your Cell Phone

Since ditching your phone is not an option, and in fact your usage is likely to increase as mobile innovation and utility continues to grow, whatever solution you use, it appears cleaning your cell phone is the best way to fight against viruses and pathogens that build up on mobile devices. Keep in mind that frequent hand-washing remains the #1 way to prevent against infections, but as some doctors have noted, cleaning cell phones is increasingly a close #2.

As you strive toward a healthy and happy 2011, update your personal hygiene routine and clean the device you use most throughout the day, your cell phone.

What do you think is the best way to fight against germ buildup on your cell phone or smartphone?

CDC, Doctors Must Add Cleaning Cell Phones to Flu Prevention Tips

2010-12-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

The Mobile Hygiene Campaign is urging infection prevention experts to add cleaning cell phones to their flu prevention guidelines.

As new information surfaces about the spread of infection through cell phones, the Mobile Hygiene Campaign, launched by cell phone wipe maker CleenCell® is urging medical professionals, hospital personnel, and parents update their standards to match the rapidly evolving mobile phone market.

Recent studies have shown that a cell phone is a breeding ground for bacteria and poses a significant pathogenic health risk to users. Most of today’s infection prevention guidelines, including the CDC’s Flu Prevention Tool Kit, were drafted before the prevalence of cell phones in every person’s hand.

“Cell phone usage trends have changed and hygiene habits should follow,” says David Shar, Chief Marketing Officer for CleenCell® and Director of the Mobile Hygiene Movement. “We now use our phones at the park, in a hospital, in the bathroom, and then during a meal or while in bed, sometimes just in one day. Not enough infection prevention experts are talking about this with patients. We’re changing that.”

Mr. Shar points out hand washing remains the most effective method to prevent infections from entering the body, but quickly quotes microbiologists who have studied the topic and concluded that cleaning cell phones is “near hand hygiene” when it comes to preventing infection.

MobileHyigiene.org is working with several infection prevention departments to implement the first hospital-specific guidelines for cell phone and personal electronic cleanliness of health care workers. To collaborate with the Mobile Hygiene Movement, please email info@moiblehygiene.org

The Effect Your Cell Phone May Be Having On Your Skin

2010-11-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

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

First Case of MRSA Infection From Cell Phone Reported

2010-11-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

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 8^th 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

Standford Study: Pathogens on Touchscreen Phones Are Health Hazard

2010-10-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

The body of research about bacteria accumulation on cell phones is growing. Earlier this month a study by Timothy Julian of Stanford University warned of the alarming rate of bacterial growth on touchscreen phones and the potential for their users to contract dangerous infections like staph, salmonella, E.coli, or influenza viruses. The study was published by The Journal of Applied Microbiology in July of this year.

Like any other cell phone or handheld device, a touchscreen is sure to gather germs, bacterial, oils and even makeup from daily use. Now PhD candidate Tim Julian's research shows touchscreen phones and devices such as the iPad are an even bigger breeding ground for germs, showing that if a virus is present on a touchscreen surface, at least 30% will get on your fingertips and can be easily transferred to your hands, face, and mouth. Not to mention if you do have a touchscreen, it’s probably a multimedia device like an iPhone or iPad that you’re sharing with friends, showing them videos, apps and all the cool things your phone can do.

The Solution?

It's a smart idea to take a moment from your digital lifestyle and attend to your personal hygiene. Now that cell phones are such an integral part of our daily lives, it makes sense to clean it once in a while and prevent germs from getting on the phone and ultimately, from reaching your mouth, face and hands during every call or text. Even the most mundane action like setting your phone down on a table at a coffee shop, or throwing it in your purse next to loose change and other item, means picking up germs that aren’t your own and are potentially hazardous to your health.

Do you own a touchscreen phone or other mobile device? Are you finding fingerprints, oils and smudges all over it?

iPhone photo via Urban Dirty / Pad photo via Simon Chow/Flickr

Pregnancy Goes Mobile

2010-10-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

What Mobile-Savvy Moms-To-Be Should Know About Cell Phones

Today’s expecting moms have more technological know-how and access to information and tips about pregnancy than any previous generation. Thousands of websites, blogs and convenient mobile apps that live in your pocket are at pregnant women’s disposal to digitize and personalize the incredibly rewarding experience of bringing a child into the world.

From tracking baby motions to contraction timers to over 50 other useful related apps pregnancy has indeed gone mobile. Many women are even now tweeting and live-blogging their deliveries live.

But one thing that hasn't changed is the increased infection risks and complications pregnant women face while expecting a child. It is well known that pregnant women are more likely to become severely ill from a flu infection than women who are not pregnant and the CDC puts them in the category ofhigh risk for flu complications.

Germs on Cell Phones

Since research has shown an average cell phone can be dirtier than a public toilet seat or door handle, catching a nasty flu or staph infection from a dirty cell phone while timing contractions using Birth Buddy or some other app on the way to the hospital is a real and tragic possibility.

Aside from mobile apps, expecting moms in 2010 and beyond are likely to be on their cell phone on the way to the hospital on the special day, and otherwise use their cell phone throughout their pregnancy to stay connected to their doctors, friends and family, social networks and more. It’s important for the device they’re holding against their face, near their mouth and ears and use throughout the day to be clean.

Knowing their cell phone gathers germs and bacteria from all sorts of places, smart moms-to-be are wise to practice “mobile hygiene” regularly, and incorporate it into their daily routine by cleaning their cell phone every day or every week.

As an expecting mom, what precautions have you taken to protect your health and hygiene during your pregnancy?

Work It Out: Cell Phone Hygiene At The Gym

2010-09-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Cell Phones Used At The Gym Can Spread Infections

If you’re like the millions of people around the world, you hit the gym for results. Whether it’s the desire to take or keep off pounds, build muscles or for the awesome cardiovascular benefits, exercise is one of the best ways to keep healthy and reduce stress. But can using a cell phone at the gym be harmful to your health?

It’s been well documented that that fitness clubs and work out equipment are generally loaded with germs, and health experts suggest wiping down equipment, work out balls, and yoga mats after every use.

But another piece of workout equipment that is increasingly popular in gyms has been ignored by hygiene experts until now, and that’s cell phones and smartphones. The technology innovations of cell phones and smartphones allows gym goers more ways than ever to keep track of their workouts, listen to music, or chat with a friend while on the treadmill.

As a result, more gym goers are using their cell phones during a workout and virulent bacteria that often gathers on the equipment is transferred to their phones which later comes in contact with the face.
If your cell phone follows you to your workout, the benefits of good exercise may be outweighed by the risks of infection. To maintain a clean bill of health after a sweaty exercise routine, gym goers are strongly encouraged to clean their cell phone or smartphone after use at a fitness club.

By cleaning a cell phone that was used at the gym, workout buffs are reducing their exposure to new health risks that can cause acne or rashes on the face, or worse, a staph or MRSA infection which can be deadly.

While it won’t make your workout any easier, wiping down your cell phone after use at the gym is sure to prevent trips to the doctors and various infections that can be transferred by your cell phone.

Tell us gym goers, how does your phone factor into your workout routine? You likely wash your hands and shower right after a workout, but do you ever clean the cell phone you used during your exercise?

Doctors: Get The 411 On Your Cell Phone

2010-09-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

A widespread pandemic is spreading in hospitals.

Visit any hospital and you’ll see not just patients, but doctors and nurses talking, texting and emailing on their cell phones.

There was a time when medical professionals frowned upon the use of mobile phones in hospitals, worrying it would detract from patient care or interfere with various devices, but today it’s simply the norm.

In fact, mobile usage by medical professionals is on a tremendous rise as over 1,500 medical apps for smartphone help doctors stay connected to colleagues, families, or vital patient information.

A cell phone is a vital tool for any doctor or nurse . But while a great electronic innovation, as a personal item research has shown it is among the most bacteria infested surface we come in contact with every day. The health risks to medical professionals using cell phones next to their face and next to patients is among the greatest due to the environment in which they work, namely hospitals, medical facilities, and in the field.

The virulent germs that build up on common cell phones, which include Staphylococcus aureus, is harmful to everyone but especially to patients with diminished immune systems. It's obvious using an unclean cell phone can also significantly increase the risk of noscomial infections. By keeping cell phones and smartphones clean, Doctors and medical staff can improve patient health and hygiene while utilizing the latest technology in their practice.

As a medical professional, how does your cell phone enhance your practice? What’s the one feature you can’t live without? Do you think hospitals should mandate cell phone cleaning for staff?

Keeping Family Cell Phones Clean

2010-09-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

Moms are truly ringmasters, whether it’s remembering ballet or soccer schedules, dinner parties or date night with the hubby, today’s multi-tasking moms juggle a lot to keep the show running. At the top of mom’s to-do list is keeping their family healthy and germ free. We all remember our own mother’s mantra of “wash your hands” and moms today are no different. Now there’s one more thing savvy moms need to keep clean and that’s the family’s cell phones. Most modern families have at least one cell phone or smartphone per member and odds are they’ve all gone unwashed until now.

Research has shown that an average cell phone, from all the use it gets throughout the day, can accumulate more germs and bacteria than a public toilet seat, a pretty disgusting fact when you consider the various places our cell phones go, including the kitchen and the dinner table. Doctors have said cell phone hygiene ranks right up there with hand hygiene, meaning if you’re washing your hands, you should be doing the same with your cell phone.

Knowing that your little ones might use your cell phone as a teething tool, and your teens are likely glued to their 24/7, it seems like a no-brainer not to keep the entire family’s phones clean and germ free.

Sadly there‘s no app for cleaning your cell phone, but the solution is almost as easy. Doctors recommend at the end of the day, giving your cell phone a good cleaning with an anti-bacterial agent. By doing so you’ll help remove bacteria buildup on your phone, eradicating potentially harmful germs that threaten the whole family.

We all know, the show must go on. By wiping down the family’s cell phones every now and then you’ll make sure the cast and crew never miss a beat.

Tell us Moms, what apps make your life easier? What’s your recommendation for an app that reminds you to clean all the mobile phones in your home?

MobileHygiene.org

The Dirty Truth: Moms and Cellphones

2010-09-21T00:47:00.000-07:00

As a busy mom, your schedule’s filled from sun up to sundown. Whether you are buying groceries, feeding the kids, coordinating car pool, hiring contractors, or shopping, your cell phone is a vital tool that helps get it done. It keeps you organized, informed and connected to the things you care about.

But did you know you could be doing all of your daily tasks with thousands of virulent bacteria right by your side and usually against your face? As you may already know research has shown an average cell phone is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Several studies prove that the surface of an average cell phone has more germs on it per square in than a public toilet seat, a door knob, an even the bottom of your shoe.

How exactly do these germs accumulate? Think about all the places you visit and usually use your phone on a daily basis; the kitchen, bathroom, (you know who you are) your children, husband or friends using your phone. As your phone travels, germs and bacteria like Staphylococcus Aureuss which causes the dreaded staph infection set up camp.

While we always wash our hands, until now our cell phones have been getting the short end of the stick. Doctors who have looked at the research are saying cleaning cell phones is near hand hygiene in importance for infection prevention.

For today's on the go tech savvy super moms, it’s more important than ever to safeguard their health by cleaning their own beloved, and useful, cell phone regularly.

As an on-the-go mom, are you worried about germs on your cell phone? What measures are you taking to prevent the spread of germs to and from your cell phone?

A New Battleground In The Fight Against Germs

2010-09-21T00:44:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, connecting with our loved ones wasn’t so easy. Families had one phone and that was their only way of reaching the outside world. Of course times have changed. Moms, Dads, teens, even the youngest members of the family have cell phones or smartphones. They can talk, text, listen to music and connect to the Internet like never before, but may be unaware of a growing health risk undeterred by many doctors: dirty, germy and bacteria filled cell phones that have the potential to make the whole family sick.

Researchers have only just begun to discover the various forms of bacteria that may be lurking on every surface of your cell phone. According to a March 2009 study in the Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials infectious disease and epidemiology specialists are already warning that mobile phones used by health care workers may increase the risk of hospital acquired bacterial infections. But this the risks aren’t limited to just health care workers.

Other culture tests of cell phones reported by ABC’s Good Morning Americafound a multitude of virulent bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus(Staph infection) e-coli, meningitis as well as the oh so unpleasant infectious flesh-eating MRSA on many cell phones.

Not only are dirty cell phones posing infectious health risks but they can also affect your skin. The British Association of Dermatologists cited in a published study that many cell users aredeveloping red or itchy rashes they’ve dubbed “mobile phone dermatitis.”

Today a culprit behind a teenager’s breakout could be build up of oil, dirt and even make-up on their phone more than anything else, and mobile hygiene practices are becoming essential.

There’s no question that cell phones make our lives easier but it’s important to recognize that like all personal items, the surface of a cell phone can get pretty dirty, and when you consider how often we use them, that we hold them next to our face, and use them in places like during a meal or in bed, keeping these useful devices clean is more important than ever.

Doctors recommend regular cleaning of cell phones, placing its importance "near hand hygiene,” which means if you regularly wash your hands, you should be giving that same TLC to your cell phone.
If you're wondering how often you should clean your phone, visit the Mobile Hygiene Blog at www.mobilehygiene.org to learn emerging prevention tips, public service announcements and discussions on best cell phone hygiene practices.

Do you think your cell phones ever made you sick? Have you ever experienced a rash on just one side of your face? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Skin Deep: Acne, Teens and How Moms Can Help

2010-09-21T00:40:00.000-07:00

The teen years are never kind. Mood swings, growth spurts and acne outbursts are all things us adults are all too happy to forget. As a mom, you can’t do anything about your teen’s temperament or the fact that you totally embarrass them simply by opening your mouth. But if you’ve noticed an increase in acne breakouts or skin irritations on your teen’s face, there may be something you can do besides espousing hand and face hygiene and spending thousands on acne treatment. Check the surface of their favorite device, their cell phone.

As your teen presses that phone against their face, natural oils and dirt builds up with everything else that phone has touched such as a table top, loose change…or worse. While they wash their face daily (you hope) the cell phone until now isn’t so lucky. Over time, all that yuckiness is transferred from the phone to their face, which doctors have warned can lead to a variety of skin conditions from mild acne and to staph infections.
Many people, especially teens, go months or even years without ever cleaning their cell phone. And we all know, teens use their cell phones for hours on end, sending a mind numbing 2,700 text messages per month, calling friends, and if you’re lucky, you.

Since various tests have shown an average cell phone is the most germ infested item we touch every day, containing more germs than a toilet seat or the bottom of your purse, the bacteria that accumulates on the device from daily use and reaches our face, mouth and ears is increasingly threatening to our personal hygiene, and can lead to skin conditions and infectious diseases for teens and adults alike.

Luckily, the solution is simple. All you need to do is encourage your teen to practice good “mobile hygiene”, and clean his or her cell phone once in a while, just like we wash our hands and clean other personal items. By doing so, and perhaps referring them to cleanmycellphone.com, you not only sound cool because for once you’re the one who knows of the latest cell phone trend, but you’re also helping them protect their health as mobile technology increasingly enters every facet of their daily lives.

Help your teen more effectively fight acne in today's mobile age by cleaning their cell phone.

Tell us moms, what do you think is the best way to encourage your teen to clean his/her cell phone?

About Mobile Hygiene

2010-09-21T00:38:00.001-07:00

The Mobile Hygiene Campaign has two goals: spreading awareness about bacteria accumulation on cell phones and smartphones, and developing best mobile hygiene practices for industries and individuals through research and discussion.

Health officials and cell phone users take note: The recent rise in cell phone usage has introduced new pathogenic and dermatological health risks that affect patient rooms, cafeterias, schools, and even our homes. US based research on bacteria accumulation on cell phones, and publishing of guidelines and best practices for hygienic cell phone use by medical professionals, food handlers, and the general public is needed now more than ever.

Cell phone and smartphones’ increasing functionality and affordable prices have resulted in a global wide reliance on staying connected. Cell phones are now commonplace whether it be the dinner table, the kitchen, a restaurant, the gym, or even the bathroom. These factors and the heat generated by cell phones, contribute to the harboring of bacteria on the device at alarming levels and when we consider a cell phone's daily contact with the face, mouth, ears and hands, the dire health risks of using germ infested mobile devices are obvious.

WHY NOW?

Bacteria accumulation on cell phones was not cause for public concern in 2000 when 90 million US mobile users used their phone for about 2.5 hours a month to make voice calls only.

Fast forward a decade, and 260,000,000 Americans own some form of handheld mobile communication device, mostly a cell phone or smartphone, and with technology advances, usage increases daily.

Cell phone technology, perhaps unlike any other electronic or non-electronic consumer good, has indiscriminately penetrated every user group imaginable, from text-happy teens and tech savvy moms, to two-waying construction workers and twitter conscious politicians, to medical and legal professionals who access crucial information on the go, to name only a few examples.

Compared to even five years ago, most of today’s cell phone and smartphone users are power users. Not only do they talk for about 13 hours a month on their device, most of those hours with the phone pressed against the face, but touch and handle their phones countless times a day to text message, email, schedule an appointment, listen to music, surf the web, or perform numerous specialty tasks from checking patient records to updating facebook and twitter.

The Mobile Hygiene Movement encourages health professionals from microbiologists, epidemiologists, skin care doctors, dermatologists, to behavioral scientist and occupational safety consultants to take note of how and where we are using our cell phones, and draft new guidelines and prevention tips, make announcements and commission studies, and help raise awareness about the health risks of using an unclean cell phone.

The Mobile Hygiene Movement embraces technology. We love smart ideas like paying for coffee with cell phones, the mobile internet, and all the other exciting and growing new applications for these incredibly useful and increasingly personal devices.

Cell phones and smartphones are here to stay for the near future, but so are the pathogens that build up on them if we don’t do anything about it.

If you’re concerned about an infectious disease or skin reaction from using an unclean cell phone, contact your doctor.

You can also visit the Mobile Hygiene Blog at www.mobilehygiene.org to learn more about prevention tips, public service announcements and discussions on best cell phone hygiene practices.

Cell Phone Hygiene In Hospitals Go Hand In Hand

2010-09-21T00:36:00.000-07:00

In an increasingly health conscious and informed world, we’re all about keeping germs and bacteria from invading our homes and our lives. No one works harder to do this than doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel. Medical professionals know firsthand about the dangers of bacteria and infections to patient’s’ health and work hard to keep germs at bay. That’s why hand washing has become a mantra in hospitals all over the world.
Sanitizers may be located in every hallway and patient’s room but there’s a new potential contaminator lurking out there, tucked away in a doctors lab coat next to keys or cash, a nurse’s scrubs, or lying on an administrator’s desk; their trusty cell phone or smartphone.
Research has shown mobile phones arenow breeding grounds for dangerous pathogens and illnesses such as e-coli, staph and MRSA. Other studies have produced alarming results, including one formal testing of cell phones in a hospital that found 95% of hospital staff s phones tested were covered with multiple strands of virulent bacteria.
While medical personnel use their phones for daily use, to talk or text or even update their Facebook status, their cell phones and smartphones also allow them to get real time updateson patients, access medical records or keep in touch with their own families when they’re logging long hours at the hospital. There is no doubt mobile phone technology has improved patient care and we are only at the beginning of the integration of technology into the medical practice and administration. But with nosocomial infections still a major threat to patients in many hospitals, the development and promotion of mobile hygiene practices in health care facilities is more important than ever.
As a medical professional, how often do you use a cell phone or smart phone throughout the day? How has your cell phone enhanced your ability to do your job?