Which room in your home would you believe to be most prone to disease causing bacteria? It is not bathroom as many would suspect but rather it is your kitchen which is a hot spot for microbes. Your common household disinfectant has been found to be effective against bacteria that cause food borne illnesses, and research has been proven that with regular use incidence of food borne illnesses declines greatly. Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at University of Arizona, Tucson, and his colleagues conducted a study by sampling sites within 15 different homes. They found highest levels of contamination to be in areas that remain damp, such as kitchen sponges and rags, kitchen sinks and kitchen faucet handle. Kitchen counters, cutting boards and refrigerator handles should also be disinfected regularly. They found that regular cleaning had little effect on bacteria but by regularly using disinfectants bacteria level was reduced by 95%. They found main cause of disease causing bacteria in kitchen to be raw meat.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN KEEPING A HEALTHY AND BACTERIA FREE KITCHEN

A Heart That Survived, My Personal Trial

For me, it all started a year ago in May. May 16, 2003 to be exact. The thread mill was rolling, and I was feeling fine. Then my Doctor asked,"how do you feel Mr. Williams"? I'm fine Doc, I answered.

Little did I know that this would be a life changing exprience for me and my family.

Fifteen minuets later after a little more speed, and elevation on thread mill. I was now begining to feel effects of increased speed. "How you feeling now Mr. Williams", she(my doctor)asked. "I'm Ok doctor" I replied. Her reply, and much to my surprised was, "well, that's not what machine (EKG)is telling me".

In that one single moment depression set in. although I didn't recognize it for what it was until much much later, I knew something was different.

First, I was confused. What is she telling me? What's she trying to say? What does this mean? There had been no problems with my health before.

Medication History I had been on a very popular "Atorvastatin" drug for over 4 years, and a blood pressure drug for over 10 years. Both were low dosage medication. My physical exams were done annually without fail. My Employer, and because of my job position (high stress)it was a requirement.

So what had happened. For me, there were no answers.

Now here I am uncertain of future, with very few options.

Stents Implants Guess what, three days and two stent implants later, I was told to take it easy for a couple of weeks, no heavy lifting, or strenuous activities. Fine, I thought. I can handle that.

Heart Surgery Five weeks later things are not going well at all. A return to doctor indicates that stent implants had collapsed, and open heart surgery was necessary NOW. Too alarmed to be afraid, my reaction was, oh hell! here we go again.