The Germ Freaks Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu or Say Goodbye to Back Pain

The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu: Guerilla Tactics to Keep Yourself Healthy at Home, at Work and in the World

Author: Allison Jans

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 bookwill 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.

Publishers Weekly

Freelance writer, editor and confessed "germ freak" Janse takes readers on a frequently funny tour through the germ-ridden underbellies of life-from health club showers to hotel suites-dishing the dirt, as it were, on what we're likely to "catch" where. Some of her advice seems panicky, like the suggestion to exit a public restroom stall immediately after flushing, since "fecal matter" can fly 20 feet into the air when flushed ("Better to Flush and Rush than Feel the Gush"). But Janse also imparts some everyday useful information, such as the fact that loofah sponges breed deadly bacteria (bleach them weekly) and that pricey vegetable washes aren't as good as hot water and a scrub brush for removing pesticides. Still, while Janse's handbook is thorough and witty, its audience may be limited. Much of the information will interest only the seriously germ-phobic; others probably don't care enough about the germs on their money to want to part with $12. Yet Janse is so amusing, one can't help cheering for her book, just so we can be assured of another, hopefully on a more universal topic. (Sept.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Books about: Direction Stratégique :Concepts et Cas

Say Goodbye to Back Pain

Author: Marian Betancourt

Anyone who experiences chronic or even minor back pain knows there are plenty of remedies for temporary pain relief- but how do you know you're treating the correct problem in the most effective way? Top neurologist and pain management expert Emile Hiesiger draws on the newest medical information to target back pain at its source. From whiplash and sciatica to osteoporosis and spondylolysis, from faulty facets to herniated disks, Dr. Hiesiger identifies the origins of common problems, and arms you with essential information on

· Diagnostic tests and what they mean
· Key questions to ask your doctor
· Medical and surgical options from nerve blocks to vertebroplasty
· Exercises and lifestyle changes for pain relief and prevention
· Physical therapy
· Prescription drugs
· And much more