germ·o·phobe
/ˈjərməˌfōb/
noun
noun: germaphobe
- a person with an extreme fear of germs and an obsession with cleanliness.
Who would think that it is now cool to be a germaphobe!
During these challenging times of Coronavirus, I wish to advise my patients on some safety practices that are critical and, from my casual and consistent observation from recent grocery store excursions, are widely abused and overlooked. Remember, before it became popular, latex gloves and face masks were part of my exclusive wardrobe, so if anyone knows how to wear them and when to lose them, it’s Dr. T!
For starters, as you heed the CDC and Governor DeWine’s regulations to venture out only for the purposes of purchasing vital food items, visiting a physician for acute medical issues, and/or attending work if your career is deemed “essential,” then you must approach your casual surroundings with heightened caution.
Here are some of my suggestions and things you should seriously consider.
After a thorough sterilization of your vehicle, it should then be considered a “clean zone” and its safety must be guarded at all costs. All groceries or items brought into your car should be placed in containers or bags so as not to make direct contact with the vehicle. Rather than misuse gloves which are critical for our medical personnel, it is probably best to arm yourself with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol and simply sanitize at every point in your travels: once you enter the store (especially if you have touched a door or grocery cart), once again before reaching into your purse or for your wallet to make payment, and once again before touching your car door or trunk; once groceries are loaded, hand sanitizer should be-reapplied before entering your car and touching your steering wheel and gear shifter. It’s a lot. I know.
Reaching into one’s handbag or wallet with gloves that may have been contaminated by a grocery cart and the groceries themselves and then touching your car door handle, the steering wheel, the gear shifter or anything in your pursue or on your personal is a sure way of bringing the virus into an otherwise “clean space.” Areas of contamination are surrounding you at every angle: doors to the store, the restroom, the gas station pump and absolutely every surface you encounter, so be mindful of protecting yourself when you encounter these surfaces, which could put yourself and your love ones in direct contact with the virus. Once you return home with your purchases, everything should be cleaned in a sink area before placing your purchases in your pantry, closet and refrigerator. No exceptions.
These “extreme measures” are what is needed today to remain safe and healthy, and of course, it may cause you to second-guess how important that trip to the grocery store or department store really is.
I don’t want to see anyone driving with latex gloves on!
Wash your hands! Stay in! Stay Safe! Flatten the Curve!!
Be prudent and stay well! I look forward to seeing you and yours once direct patient care and interaction is deemed safe, and both Laser and Mercury are likewise looking forward to seeing your beautiful smiles soon!
Dr. Chris Theodorou DMD
Strongsville Dental & Laser Aesthetics
Grandsons have been staying with us so my new favorite? phrase is, “When was the last time you washed your hands?”
Remain positive !