The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu : Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work and in the World
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Just in time for cold and flu season comes this fun, funny and imminently practical guide to the fine art of germ avoidance. Admit it, you either are one or you know one: a person who prefers the scent of Purell to perfume, hates public restroom toilets and pushes elevator buttons with their elbow. In a word (well, two), a "Germ Freak." Well guess what?' they're right! In the bestselling tradition of the The Paranoid's Pocket Guide and The Worst Case Scenario Handbook, Allison Janse' a committed Germ Freak' gives readers the lowdown on how to avoid the common cold and survive flu season with your health and sanity intact. This is the practical information your doctor won't give you (they always say not to worry and may be giving you the latest bug by not washing their hands when they examine you!), but which you're almost literally dying to know, such as: How clean is my office desk? (In terms of germs, it's better to eat off a toilet seat) Do I have to shake that snotty person's hand? (The new etiquette says no) Are my hygiene products killing me? (No, but some increase your risk of illness) How do I get out of a public restroom without contamination? (Here's a five-step plan) What is the best way to wash my hands? (You have two detailed options) Am I the only germ freak in America? (Don't worry, 48% of women either use the toilet guard or make their own) Why didn't anyone tell me about The New Respiratory Etiquette? (Yes, it's real, and it's specifically designed for Germ Freaks just like you) Germ Freaks unite! This book will help unenlightened germspreaders get a clue' or at least a HandiWipe' and prove to the world that, in the end, it's far better to be safe than sorry. Are You a Germfreak? Some Ways to Tell Your exit strategy from a public bathroom rivals an NFL playbook Your family and friends think Purell is your scent You check elevator riders for anyone who is sniffling and opt for the stairs' even though you're going to the Penthouse You turn all public bathroom faucets with a piece of tissue You avoid buffets that don't have 10-foot-high GermGuard barriers You think BYOB means bring your own bathroom hand towels You only go to afternoon (or really bad) movies because they're less crowded If you answered yes to any one of these questions, you're on your way to becoming a Germ freak. If you answered yes to two or more, congratulations, you're a full-fledged freak.
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| 11-03-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book was recommended on the John Tesh radio show. Although I haven't completed the book in its entirety contents are written in an amusing & informative manner, not dry & clinical as I would've expected. One can take away as much information as they chose to do. Information and tips are both interesting & scary depending on one's percepiton. Useful tips that we can all benefit by using; albeit some already known.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-19 03:02:21 EST)
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| 07-04-08 | 4 | (NA) |
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This little book offers a lot of information for a small price tag. So many things us "germ freaks" had not even considered are covered in this well written book. I had to buy one for myself and one for my daughter because I knew we would want to be able to have our own copy to refer to later. A good investment to make us aware of all the information this book cover in a clever manner.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-04 03:09:24 EST)
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| 10-23-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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Allison Janses' "The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu" could also have been titled " A Consciousness Raiser for the Germ Awareness Challenged." Before I read the book, I didn't realize how little I knew about those little guys who can, and all too often do,cause anything from annoying colds to life threatening illnesses. What I found most enlightening where the sections dealing with the various places that they congregate. The book is very well organized and written in a witty, entertaining style. As a psychologist,I couldn't help but notice that the author is writing from a genuine place of caring and concern for the welfare of others. A change in behavior requires a compelling reason to approach things differently. "The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu" accomplishes that mission in a wonderful manner.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-02 23:56:55 EST)
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| 07-17-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This is a great book to help prevent you and your family from getting sick. When I brought my premature twins home from the hospital I was told it was very important to keep them from getting sick that first year because they were at such a high risk for contracting RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) which can be fatal. This book helped keep the germs away. Despite the unpleasant subject, it is a fun read. The author is really funny.
Dr. Jenn Berman www.DoctorJenn.com Author of The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-05 15:16:45 EST)
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| 07-17-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This is a great book to help prevent you and your family from getting sick. When I brought my premature twins home from the hospital I was told it was very important to keep them from getting sick that first year because they were at such a high risk for contracting RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) which can be fatal. This book helped keep the germs away. Despite the unpleasant subject, it is a fun read. The author is really funny.
Dr. Jenn Berman www.DoctorJenn.com Author of The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-24 00:41:44 EST)
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| 03-19-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I love this book. It has great tips and cleaning suggestions even if you're not a germ freak.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-17 16:39:59 EST)
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| 03-18-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I love this book. It has great tips and cleaning suggestions even if you're not a germ freak.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-10 22:27:51 EST)
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| 01-07-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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If you hate public restrooms, touching elevator buttons or doorknobs, and go through Purell like a house afire, then GERM FREAK'S GUIDE TO OUTWITTING COLDS AND FLU: GUERILLA TACTICS TO KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY AT HOME, AT WORK AND IN THE WORLD defines you. Humor and practical health-maintaining habits blend in a guide which identifies just where the germs hang out, how they're passed, and how to avoid them.
Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 09:53:51 EST)
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| 01-06-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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If you hate public restrooms, touching elevator buttons or doorknobs, and go through Purell like a house afire, then GERM FREAK'S GUIDE TO OUTWITTING COLDS AND FLU: GUERILLA TACTICS TO KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY AT HOME, AT WORK AND IN THE WORLD defines you. Humor and practical health-maintaining habits blend in a guide which identifies just where the germs hang out, how they're passed, and how to avoid them.
Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-20 12:42:32 EST)
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| 11-23-06 | 5 | 3\3 |
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Hey, I mean it! If everyone would just follow some of the practical advice in this incredibly easy-to-read (and entertaining) book, there would be less germs, thus less sickness, to be caught. I was always a germ-phobe, and now I must be extra-vigilant as I am a kidney-transplant survivor. I'm also about to be a mom. Just the thought of waiting in a pediatric office in the near-future is giving me the heebee-jeebees! Mrs. Janse is also a mother of twins and gives great advise on how to keep your little one from turning into a germ-magnet and making you sick, too.
My Top Three? -Washing your hands to the alphabet.... -Using the disinfectant wipes at the grocery store before grabbing a cart.... -Making your doctor wash their hands before examining you. One I'd like to add that I didn't see mentioned? -If you valet: Have sanitizing wipes in your glove compartment and use to wipe-down your steering wheel after receiving your car - ESPECIALLY at a hospital! EEWW! (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 09:53:51 EST)
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| 11-02-06 | 5 | 3\3 |
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This is a great baby shower gift, or something to tuck into a gift or get-well basket. It's not just common sense stuff you already know; see what it says about automatic hand dryers in public bathrooms (I guarantee you'll shudder!). My reaction to a lot of things in the book was first, that it was very thorough and covered items I hadn't even imagined, and two, who knew?! Especially in these days when even a routine hospital stay can lead to a serious infection, it's very informative. Just look at the recent rash of e-coli cases that are in the news. Plus, it's an entertaining and easy read. You can't ask for much more than that for the price!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 09:53:51 EST)
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| 01-23-06 | 4 | 8\8 |
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As the world grows smaller and disease severity increases, it is the optimum time for a book such as The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu. How does one stay healthy in the workplace, traveling and shopping? This book tells you how.
The book is divided into three parts. 1) Germ Freak Basics covers how-to tips to avoid getting sick. It offers such suggestions as always using a tissue to open doors, push elevator buttons or turn on water faucets, remembering to discard the tissue after each use. 2) This section looks at all the situations in which you may encounter germs and how to avoid them, from grocery shopping (shop off hours to avoid crowds, carry disinfectant wipes to clean cart handle); using a public restroom (use the first stall--it is the cleanest); to working out (disinfect or sanitize machines before use). 3) Part 3 looks at the best ways to keep your babies and children healthy (do not let anyone but family hold babies, never let children go into the ball pit play spaces). Also included are many other informative and fun snippets and sections. "Gotta Haves" are inventions and products that are available to the average germ freak such as the Wakmah, a multipurpose plastic sucker that can be used to open doors or hold onto in subways, or the disposable Table Topper Stay-in-Place Table Mats to take to restaurants. "Over the Top" gives various germ-preventing scenarios and rates them. "Use Them or Lose Them" analyzes different products (anti-bacterial cutting boards? Lose them). "Germ Freak Horror Stories" are, well, self-explanatory! This in-depth book has information for all levels of "germ freaks: latent, blatant or wannabes." With a style and sense of humor that makes it both enjoyable and educational, this is a health guide that should be read by all. It is accurately subtitled "Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home and Work and in the World." Armchair Interviews says: While many readers may find some of the suggestions useful for only true, over-the-top "germ freaks" it still gives many ideas to keep in mind as we go about our daily lives. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 09:53:51 EST)
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| 01-16-06 | 5 | 4\4 |
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Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (1/06)
This book is certainly more than what the title indicates. It is more than outwitting colds and flu, it is about finding out where germs reside. Allison Janse, in her book "The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu," gives the reader a candid but educational account of how to avoid picking up the germs, as well as how to prevent the spread of them. I didn't know why I didn't like buffets, but after reading "The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flue" I have a clearer understanding. Janse claims that food is not kept hot enough, chicken or tuna salads are usually made from old ingredients, and soups or chili pots are not cleaned before more is added. However, Janse also gives pointers as to when to go to buffets, e.g. early, take food from the back of the bin, go wide around grazers, and eat the cold foods which, by law, have to be kept at certain temperatures. Janse points out that the germiest spot in the workplace is the phone with 25,127 germs per square inch and the desktop has 20,961. Surprisingly enough, the toilet seat only has 49 germs per square inch. From Janse's findings it is safer to eat your lunch off the toilet seat than your desk! And, then there are horrid discoveries on airplanes. But, I will leave it to the reader to find out what those are. Personally, I'm not sure that I needed to know all the information that was given to me by Janse! I'm just grateful that I have a healthy immune system. This book is not for the germ-a-phobic, but for anyone that wants to take precautions to avoid getting sick. I commend Janse for all her research and the ability to put it together in a book that is easy to read and understand. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 09:53:51 EST)
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| 01-15-06 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (1/06)
This book is certainly more than what the title indicates. It is more than outwitting colds and flu, it is about finding out where germs reside. Allison Janse, in her book "The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu," gives the reader a candid but educational account of how to avoid picking up the germs, as well as how to prevent the spread of them. I didn't know why I didn't like buffets, but after reading "The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flue" I have a clearer understanding. Janse claims that food is not kept hot enough, chicken or tuna salads are usually made from old ingredients, and soups or chili pots are not cleaned before more is added. However, Janse also gives pointers as to when to go to buffets, e.g. early, take food from the back of the bin, go wide around grazers, and eat the cold foods which, by law, have to be kept at certain temperatures. Janse points out that the germiest spot in the workplace is the phone with 25,127 germs per square inch and the desktop has 20,961. Surprisingly enough, the toilet seat only has 49 germs per square inch. From Janse's findings it is safer to eat your lunch off the toilet seat than your desk! And, then there are horrid discoveries on airplanes. But, I will leave it to the reader to find out what those are. Personally, I'm not sure that I needed to know all the information that was given to me by Janse! I'm just grateful that I have a healthy immune system. This book is not for the germ-a-phobic, but for anyone that wants to take precautions to avoid getting sick. I commend Janse for all her research and the ability to put it together in a book that is easy to read and understand. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:13 EST)
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| 12-16-05 | 5 | 1\1 |
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Now I am really a bigger germ freak than I already was! Enjoyable read.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:13 EST)
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| 12-15-05 | 4 | 1\2 |
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With concern about a possible flu pandemic in our future, the tips in this book seem worth the effort. I know I've been coughing and sneezing for a month since my last airplane flight. Maybe with the preventive methods in this book, I could avoid such a miserable result.
I knocked off a star because I really just wanted the facts and not some cutesy comments and a list of celebrities who are germ freaks. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:13 EST)
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| 10-11-05 | 5 | 12\13 |
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My husband (a general surgeon) and I read this book on a recent trip to Texas and not only was it a fun read but a very informative one too! It's definitely an eye-opener and as parents of a 4-year old son (we can't afford to get sick!) we feel it's a must read for anyone with small children. One thing is for sure, after reading this book you'll never look at airplane blankets, hotel room comforters or department store makeup displays the same way again! You'll also be more inclined to take small steps like washing out your water bottle with soap before refilling it. Considering a cold or flu can set you back for weeks (or more!) when it only takes about 30 seconds to put into action the recommendations made in this book I couldn't agree more with the authors that I would much rather be safe than sick!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:13 EST)
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| 10-04-05 | 5 | 7\7 |
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I loved this book. Easy reading - blend of super humor mixed with great advice! The practical tips and reminders on basic hygiene and how to avoid pitfalls of infections are necessary for everyone! Anyone that goes out in public must read the why and how to avoid coming in contact with sick people. You never know what you are touching - and this handy book gives examples when you must watch out and what not to do! The etiquette reminders are hilarious...and on point!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:14 EST)
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| 09-21-05 | 5 | 3\4 |
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You will learn more than you probably want to know about the unsanitary world we live in. A humorous look at real life situations that have happened to us all! Everybody can relate and every parent should own it...
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:14 EST)
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| 09-21-05 | 5 | 6\6 |
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What a great read! I laughed out loud in so many parts of the book. The author is smart and funny and lends such great information about keeping clean and healthy in some not-so- clean surroundings that we all have to deal with (i.e. the gym, the office, the airport, etc.). I want to give a copy to everyone I know!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:14 EST)
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| 09-20-05 | 5 | 2\2 |
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This book is a great, quick read. It definitely opened my eyes to where the germs are and some of the habits I had that actually made me more susceptible to illness (like using antibacterial bar soap and eating at my desk at work). The airport chapter had me LAUGHING OUT LOUD, especially the letter from the irate person sitting in the worst seat on the plane....I plan on trying some of the tips the next time I travel by plane.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:14 EST)
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| 09-20-05 | 5 | 3\3 |
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I just finished reading this book and I loved it. Though I doubt I will become a die-hard Germ freak, I am definetly more aware of the millions of germs around us. I am now asking my kids to wash their hands with the "ABC" song and telling them to stay at least 3 feet away from a person that looks like they may sneeze. I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to everyone, especially parents with school age children.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-07-07 04:53:14 EST)
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