Posted on 03/07/2011 1:43:01 PM PST by BenLurkin
Next time you head down to your local supermarket, you may be taking your health into own hands — literally.
New research shows that nearly three out of four shopping cart handles are rife with fecal bacteria, including some that can cause severe illness.
Dr. Victoria Millett, a local infectious disease specialist, tells KFWB’s Maggie McKay researchers actually found more fecal bacteria on grocery cart handles than you would typically find in a bathroom.
Professor Charles Gerba, the lead researcher in the University of Arizona study, took samples from the handles of 85 carts across four states for bacterial contamination.
Gerba says 72 percent of the carts tested positive for fecal bacteria, with up to half the samples containing Escherichia coli, otherwise known as E. coli.
(Excerpt) Read more at losangeles.cbslocal.com ...
Yes, but babies haven’t been around long enough to develop a stronger immune system. When mine were really small, I did my grocery shopping on the weekends and left them home with their Daddy even though I was a stay-at-home Mom and could have easily shopped during the week. And not being in day care they were much healthier. I bet they have only been on antibiotics a couple of times each in their lives and they are now 13 & 17. It was a little rough when the oldest went to first grade and would bring home illnesses, she’d be over them in a day and it would take younger one a week . . . he had a more sensitive stomach I guess.
Simple fact is, and most people will get grossed out, but it’s not that big a deal.
Humans as a species carry about 3-5 hundred different types of bacteria. The majority in their gut.
And 99.9 percent of these are totally harmless, if not in fact actually necessary.
It’s also probably true that EVERY SINGLE SEXUAL ENCOUNTER exposes a person to bacteria and viruses they never saw before. Most people don’t die just from having sex.
You are VASTLY, VASTLY more likely to pick up a pathogen (one that can honestly kill you) or a parasite by walking barefoot in your front lawn.
And you don’t even want to start thinking about what kind of crud there is on a dollar bill...
;-(
You are correct about babies; breast feeding would pass on some immunities when employed however. You're correct, I believe you when say they are more vulnerable.
I guarantee if we took a poll of FReepers asking if they get sick less and less as they get older it would probably "yes" by a large majority.
The ironic thing is that E. Coli is necessary. It is found in the large intestine; without it you would have massive diarrhea all the time.
That is why many anti-biotics cause diarrhea in many cases. I simply eat yogurt if I'm on them.
I know some of the subject matter sounds gross, but we are all adults here. I'm looking at it from a clinical position, that's all.
Could the E Coli be from handling the packages of meat? Does it have to be from what the human hands brought into the store? Maybe it’s from handling the meats and THEN handling the cart. Anyone know?
That’s why I only touch things with my ass.
Also, one of the forms of Vitamin K is generated by bacteria in the gut.
Not the right bacteria? Not enough?
You will bleed to death like a hemophiliac from a small cut because your clotting functions are destroyed.
That’s actually why it took so long to even discover Vitamin K, because almost no one on Earth DOESN’T have enough of whatever they need in their gut.
And in many parts of the world, they eat alot of fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, and have good intestinal health. Good for the general digestion process.
I keep acidophiles in my medicine cabinet, if I get a bout of the runs, I load up on a couple tabs.
Let's see who did this study?????
I use my ass, feet and elbows.
Many people are dirty, filthy cretins.
Like the one who changes their kids' diaper and stuffs the used one behind the food in the aisle? Too damn lazy to take the thing to a trash can. These are the same people who drive around for 15 minutes in the parking lot, waiting for that space up close to open up, and when they get it, haul their fat carcasses out of the car, waddle in all out of breath, and can be overheard saying "I can't seem to lose weight. I don't understand why I'm so fat...." as they load their carts with chips and cookies, and 2 liter soda bottles.
I do have to admit reading a menu while holding it between my buttcheeks is a challenge.
Right! Wash your hands ASAP!
Great,..well, now that I use everything in a public restroom with my feet, I guess I can push the cart down the aisle with my feet.
Of course, most people who are shocked by this, don’t mind going out to eat at a restaurant with gay chefs who get turned on just thinking about things like that.
Many grocery stores have disinfectant wipes at entry points. I use them.
____________
So do I.
We shop at the local HEB store, and the first thing I do when I walk in the door is grab a disinfectant wipe.
The cart is at crotch level. Push it with your frank and beans. I mean, the cart’s already contaminated, so might as well.
“Of course, most people who are shocked by this, don’t mind going out to eat at a restaurant with gay chefs who get turned on just thinking about things like that.”
I’ve thought about that. It’s a risk for sure.
You have to especially be wary when they say they put their “love” in every dish they make.
Now that I know this I guess I’ll have to get sick. Not! lol
“That is why I always put toilet paper down first before using public shopping carts”.
Too funny! Actually, it is better to do the “hover and pee/poop” technique. Takes some practice but it is worth it. LOL
I highly doubt this. Probably they were told E.Coli was found on the handles. The leap was then made by the reporter that E coli=fecal bacteria. It does and it does not. There are different strains. E. Coli is found just about any place that is not sterile.
The science reporting of MSM is usually below par. Long on sensationalism and short on facts.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.