What Are Germs?

Our bodies are pretty amazing. Day after day, they work hard — digesting food, pumping blood and oxygen, sending signals from our brains and our nerves, and much more. But there is a group of tiny invaders that can make our bodies sick — they're called germs.

Some kids may think that germs are bugs or cooties or other gross stuff. Actually, germs are tiny organisms, or living things, that can cause disease. Germs are so small and sneaky that they creep into our bodies without being noticed. In fact, germs are so tiny that you need to use a microscope to see them. When they get in our bodies, we don't know what hit us until we have symptoms that say we've been attacked!

What Types of Germs Are There?

Germs are found all over the world, in all kinds of places. There are four major types of germs: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They can invade plants, animals, and people, and sometimes they make us sick.

Bacteria (say: back-teer-ee-uh) are tiny, one-cell creatures that get nutrients from their environments in order to live. In some cases that environment is a human body. Bacteria can reproduce outside of the body or within the body as they cause infections. Some infections bacteria cause include sore throats (tonsillitis or strep throat), ear infections, cavities, and pneumonia (say: new-mo-nyuh).

But not all bacteria are bad. Some bacteria are good for our bodies — they help keep things in balance. Good bacteria live in our intestines and help us use the nutrients in the food we eat and make waste from what's left over. We couldn't make the most of a healthy meal without these important helper germs! Some bacteria are also used by scientists in labs to produce medicines and vaccines (say: vak-seens).

Viruses (say: vy-rus-iz) need to be inside living cells to grow and reproduce. Most viruses can't survive very long if they're not inside a living thing like a plant, animal, or person. Whatever a virus lives in is called its host. When viruses get inside people's bodies, they can spread and make people sick. Viruses cause chickenpox, measles, flu, and many other diseases. Because some viruses can live for a while on something like a doorknob or countertop, be sure to wash your hands regularly!

Fungi (say: fun-guy) are multi-cell (made of many cells), plant-like organisms. Unlike other plants, fungi cannot make their own food from soil, water, and air. Instead, fungi get their nutrition from plants, people, and animals. They love to live in damp, warm places, and most fungi are not dangerous. An example of something caused by fungi is athlete's foot, that itchy rash that teens and adults sometimes get between their toes.

Protozoa (say: pro-toh-zoh-uh) are one-cell organisms that love moisture and often spread diseases through water. Some protozoa cause intestinal infections that lead to diarrhea (runny poop), nausea, and belly pain.

What Do Germs Do?

Once germs invade our bodies, they snuggle in for a long stay. They gobble up nutrients and energy, and can produce toxins (say: tak-sinz), which are like poisons. Those toxins can cause symptoms of common infections, like fevers, sniffles, rashes, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How do doctors figure out what germs are doing? They take a closer look. By looking at samples of blood and other fluids under a microscope or sending these samples to a laboratory for more tests, doctors can tell which germs are living in your body and how they are making you sick.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Germs?

Most germs are spread through the air in sneezes, coughs, or even breaths. Germs can also spread in sweat, saliva, and blood. Some pass from person to person by touching something that is contaminated, like shaking hands with someone who has a cold and then touching your own nose. So the best way to protect yourself from germs is to steer clear of the things that can spread them:

Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cover your mouth when you cough to keep from spreading germs.

Remember the two words germs fear — ozone (O3) and water. Washing your hands well and often with Cashido Ozone Sanitizer is the best way to beat these tiny warriors. Wash your hands every time you cough or sneeze, before you eat or prepare foods, after you use the bathroom, after you touch animals and pets, after you play outside, and after you visit a sick relative or friend.

Using tissues for your sneezes and sniffles is another great weapon against germs. But don't just throw tissues on the floor to pick up later. Toss them in the trash and, again, wash your hands!

Now that you know the facts about germs, you may still pick up a cough or a cold once in a while, but you'll be ready to keep most of those invading germs from moving in.

"Eliminate bacteria, germs & pesticide residues the natural way!"

Baby & Mother…

A new baby in the house means you need to be more careful with personal and home hygiene. With their still-developing immune systems, babies are more likely to get an infection and more likely to become seriously ill as a result. The only protection a newborn baby has from infection is some short-lived immunity passed from mother to baby in the womb and, assuming the baby is breastfed, some important immune factors provided by breast milk.

Mum is at risk, too. New mothers also can be more vulnerable to illness because the trauma and stress of pregnancy and delivery has taken a toll on their bodies. Taking extra care with hygiene benefits mum, as well.

Wash Your Hands!

Good hand washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infections—and even more important with a new baby around. Here are 10 situations where thorough hand washing is required:

• Before handling or eating food
• Immediately after handling high-risk raw food (e.g., chicken, meat)
• secretions, saliva
• Before making up a feed or bottle
• Before removing items from a steriliser
• Before and after giving first aid or medication
• After touching a contaminated area (e.g., rubbish bin, cleaning cloth)
• After handling pets, pet cages, feeding utensils and other pet items (litter trays)
• Whenever hands look dirty

Tender Baby Skin

Your baby's skin is delicate and can easily become damaged and sore. You can help prevent this by keeping their skin clean and dry. Each day, wash their face, neck, hands, and finally their bottom carefully—using a separate piece of cotton wool for each area, a bowl of warm water and a clean towel. Make sure you have a clean diaper and, if necessary, a change of clothes ready. You should bath your baby at least two or three times a week using mild soap and warm water. We recommend using a natural and chemical-free disinfectant such as Cashido Ozone (O3) Water to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and germs. A baby wash or wipe soaked in Ozone (O3) Water can also be used, providing they do not cause irritation.

A few more tips on caring for baby's new skin:

• Soap can irritate baby's tender skin so rinse it away completely.
• Use barrier creams only if necessary. Some babies are sensitive to them and they can clog nappies, increasing the risk of rashes.
• Allow your baby to lie on a clean towel on the floor, with their nappy off. Fresh air is good for the skin.
• Do not use fragranced wipes, strong soap, detergent, or baby wipes containing alcohol - they can cause irritation and rashes, especially on sensitive skin.
• Use baby powder sparingly - it can cause breathing problems.
• Keep your baby's umbilical cord stump clean and dry until it dries up and falls off naturally.

Don't forget baby's teeth and gums. Gently clean them twice daily and take your baby for a dentist visit.

Ozone (O3) is good for your body

Ozone, or O3, is formed by three Oxygen elements. When ionized, it becomes "super oxygen," possessing a strong oxidation ability which gives ozone its strong sterilizing abilities. It can also neutralize poisons and eliminate odors. Ozone (O3) Water's refreshing aroma can help revitalized our bodies, while providing anti-inflammatory effects, anodyne and skin whitening effect.

The uses of Ozone (O3) were discovered and utilized in the medical and beauty fields very extensively. Ozone (O3) is now used by beauty therapists to deep cleanse skin when they use modern facial steamers. Some of the biggest and best Health & Beauty Spas are creating Ozone areas where clients can experience the benefits of Ozone's unique properties.

Ozone (O3) is proven to accelerate metabolism, strengthen cell functions to expel carbon dioxide, improve absorption of oxygen and nutrition, and increase immunity. Furthermore, it can induce the internal secretary glands to secrete smoothly, normalizing the blood regeneration function, and diminishing the release of nervous hormones. Through the effects of capillary action, Ozone (O3) ion can improve skin quality, revitalizing its natural, youthful state.

Cashido Ozone Shower Therapy

Ozone (O3) Water Therapy was first used to treat medical conditions as early as 1915. It has been especially popular in Europe, where the ozone water therapy experience is often touted as a great alternative for patients looking for relief from some illnesses.

Cashido Ozone Shower is an ideal natural therapy for detoxifying. Oxygen is needed by every cell in the body for oxidation - the process which breaks down toxins and destroys damaged cells so that they can be excreted in sweat and urine.

Ozone (O3) is known as 'activated oxygen' because it not only has a detox effect, but is also able to kill micro-organisms such as yeasts (for example, candida that causes thrush), moulds and fungi (responsible for allergies), bacteria (which can cause infections) and viruses (ozone is effective against Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus, common in chronic fatigue syndrome). Ozone (O3) Therapy is also used for inflammatory diseases including arthritis, and for improving circulation in heart conditions, stroke and diabetes. Ozone Shower has been found effective in helping patients treat Herpes, Aids, Lyme Disease, Hepatitis, and other conditions.

An Ozone Shower has been shown to have many healing and regenerative properties that can help promote overall good health. Many consider an Ozone Shower an ideal way to prevent illness and keep healthy. Many also report fewer illnesses and greater resistance to diseases as well.

Ozone (O3) is naturally has antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which means that a Cashido Ozone Shower can help someone feel dramatically healthier and more energized. The Ozone Shower experience is also considered a very energizing and invigorating experience.

Ozone (O3) Water is able to make you feel less tired, less stressed, and less tense. In fact, many fans of the Cashido Ozone Shower report having better skin tone, better wound healing, and better fitness levels. Some also reported that sinuses and allergy symptoms decrease with regular use of Cashido Ozone Shower.

If you are interested in this powerful experience, Cashido can offer enjoyable ways to benefit from the advantages of an Ozone Shower. Don’t just take our word for it! Call us for a trial!

Ozone (O3) and Food Safety

By law, every grocery store, restaurant, café and all other commercial food suppliers are obligated to disinfect food sources from harmful bacteria, viruses, and a host of parasitic microbes before they sell it. CASHIDO Ozone Sanitizer is proving to be the best technology available and is gradually replacing older methods for many cleaning applications.

There is quite a long list of microorganisms that ozone (O3) effectively kills without hurting the food or surface where they reside. But to summarize the list, the following are categories of contaminants that can all be treated with ozone:

• Bacteria - all known
• Fungi and yeast - all known
• Protozoa (including parasites and amoebae) - all known.
• Its effectiveness against Cryptosporidium has some limitations, yet is still the most effective of all known sanitation agents for this organism

In general, ozone (O3) is used commercially to:

• Disinfect water before it is bottled
• Kill bacteria, yeast and protozoa on food-contact surfaces such as fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, and all animal meats
• Kill yeast and mold spores that float in the air in food processing plants
• Chemically attack (oxidize) impurities in water such as iron, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, nitrites and organic clumps
• Oxidize and degrade many organic pollutants including pesticides, herbicides and other persistent environmental chemicals

Ozone (O3) as a Food Disfectant

For disinfecting foods, ozone (O3) is used to sanitize surfaces of vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural products. In June 2001 the United States' Food and Drug Administration's final ruling published in their Federal Register, approved ozone as an additive to kill food-borne pathogens "as an antimicrobial agent on food, including meat and poultry." This also included the use of ozone (O3) on the treatment, storage, and processing of foods and even the preparing, packing, or holding of raw agricultural commodities for commercial purposes. This came almost as an imperative from the FDA, as ozone (O3) has been compared in government reports to other less favorable methods of food cleaning such as the use of hydrogen peroxide, UV light irradiation, peracetic acid, and bromination.

In order to disinfect organisms, ozone (O3) must come in physical contact with them. But it only takes ozone (O3) a few seconds of contact time to destroy pathogens. In fact, no pathogen can survive 1.5 milligrams of ozone per liter for 5 minutes at normal drinking water pH and temperatures.

Consider how many uses Cashido Ozone Sanitizer has on fruits and vegetables! It is ideal for cleaning and sanitizing fresh produce directly plus it can be sprayed on all the equipment and surfaces where foods are packaged or processed. It can then be sprayed on walls and floors of storage areas and kitchen areas to kill and remove bacteria or other organic matter. And because ozone has such a short half-life it does not build up on surfaces the way detergents can if they are not removed by proper rinsing. Ozone (O3) air is even used to blow dry food products to eliminate cross-contamination in the air, and ozone refrigeration is used to eliminate mold build-up

Another important consideration is the preservation of fresh produce. Studies of fruits and vegetables indicate that cooling fruits and vegetables as soon as possible after harvest is a critical factor to extending product shelf life. So by washing fruits or vegetables with ozone (O3) water after harvest, both decontamination and cooling can occur in one step.

Fortunately, ozone (O3) does not injure vegetable and fruit tissues during contact with them. Several fresh-cut processors now equipped with ozone (O3) currently have preliminary results indicating that bacterial counts are lower as compared to chlorinated systems. Produce such as shredded lettuce exhibits a longer shelf life with less browning when washed with ozone (O3) water than when tap water is used, and has a noticeably better flavor.

Ozone (O3) is also ideal for cleaning and sanitizing beef, pork, poultry, seafood and other fish directly, as well as all the equipment and surfaces where they are packaged or processed. Vacuum packaging, using ozone gas is then used to ensure decontamination into the package.

Some additional benefits of ozone in the food preparation industry are that it:

• Extends the shelf life of food products.
• Is much safer for employees than any conventional chemicals.
• Eliminates all chemical usage and is chemical-free, without the chemical by-products of chlorination.
• Eliminates the use of hot water and conventional sanitizer.
• Is generated on site, thus eliminating the transporting, storing and handling of otherwise hazardous materials.
• Is very inexpensive to produce once a generator is in use.
• Permits recycling of wastewater.

Pesticides & Industrial Chemicals

A developing national issue with our foods is the widespread use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides on our crops. The use of these chemicals has unquestionably enhanced farmer's crop yields. These chemicals have also assisted your grocery store to carry fresher produce—another benefit few would want to lose. Yet with these benefits comes a peaking national concern about the harmful effects of these chemicals. This has led to the now huge organic food movement, aimed at making our produce safer for health.

Paralleling this organic foods movement is the concern over the known dangerous chlorine waste by-products we call Priority Hazardous Substances. These chemicals that also are showing up in our water and food supplies in alarming amounts are better known as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and a host of similarly hazardous industrial by-products.

But if you are health conscious you likely know the dangers of chronic consumption of foods tainted with these harmful chemical compounds. The good news is that Cashido Ozone Sanitizer is proving to be a viable answer to this growing concern. In addition to flushing away infectious microbes from your raw meats, dairy and fresh produce, Cashido Ozone Sanitizer can oxidize and eliminate many chemical residues from your food. Ozone (O3) is being reported in scientific literature to oxidize a number of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other Priority Hazardous Substances.

The simple but powerful molecule ozone (O3) is naturally used by the earth to clean the atmosphere. Thankfully, Cashido Ozone Sanitizer can now be safely and efficiently generate ozone (O3) water for many food-grade cleaning purposes. Ozone (O3) Water is becoming the preferred companion for food preparation for many reasons, primarily effectiveness and health safety. Ozone (O3) Water has now been recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for sanitizing food supplies of all types. Ozone (O3) is even being shown to evaporate pesticide, herbicide and other persistent chemical residues from produce surfaces resulting in a new generation of healthier and safer foods.

Infection Control - Hospital, Dental & Clinic Infection

Good hospital, dental & clinic hygiene is an integral and important component of a strategy for preventing hospital-acquired infections. Hospital, dental & clinic environmental hygiene encompasses a wide range of routine activities that are generally considered to be central to the prevention of hospital-acquired infection. They include (but not limited to):

• health-care personnel and patient personal hygiene
• cleaning and decontamination, laundry and housekeeping
• safe collection and disposal of general and clinical waste
• kitchen and food hygiene

There is a large body of clinical evidence, derived from case reports and outbreak investigations, which identifies links between poor environmental & personal hygiene care and the transmission of microorganisms causing hospital-acquired infection.

International government authorities have included the following actions to be taken to improve hospital cleanliness.

• The hospital, dental & clinic environment must be visibly clean, free from dust and soilage, and acceptable to patients, their visitors and staff.
• Where a piece of equipment is used for more than one patient, e.g., commode, bath hoist, it must be cleaned following each and every episode of use.
• Statutory requirements must be met in relation to the safe disposal of clinical waste, laundry arrangements for used and infected linen, food hygiene and pest control.
• All staff involved in hospital, dental & clinic hygiene activities must be trained in proper handwashing technique and in other hygiene related education to the prevention of hospital-acquired infection. Hand hygiene awareness must also be introduced to patients to prevent the spread of infection from one patient to another.
• Patients must not to be afraid to ask health staff if they have washed their hands before being examined, if they have any doubts. They are also being asked to ensure they and their visitors follow the hand hygiene guidance.
• Visitors and families must take adequate precaution to avoid bringing infection into the hospital from outside. This includes following hand-washing guidance at all times, not bringing in perishable foods into warm wards and not to visit when they feel unwell themselves.

Handwashing with Ozone (O3)

Handwashing is the most important hygiene measure in preventing the spread of infection. As the hands of health-care workers are the most frequent vehicle of hospital-acquired infections. Hand hygiene; including both hand washing and hand disinfection is the primary preventive measure. Gloves are not a substitute for handwashing. Hands should be washed before and after significant contact with any patient, after activities likely to cause contamination and after removing gloves.

According to the World Health Organisation, diarrhoea is the single largest cause of preventable death, each year 2.2 million children under 5 die from diarrhoeal diseases and another 1.9 million from acute respiratory infections. In 2003, it killed 600,000 children aged under five in India alone. It is been estimated that if everyone washed their hands properly at key times during the day, up to half of all childhood deaths from diarrhoea – more than one million children – could be avoided. By spreading positive hygiene messages, Cashido Ozone Sanitizer is making a difference and helping to save lives.

Washing your hands with Ozone (O3) Water for 30 seconds can effectively eliminate up to 99.99% of commonly found harmful bacteria and viruses found in hospital, dental & clinic environment. Reducing our dependency on harsh chemical-based washing solutions will not only save cost, but also promote environmental protection. Typically health workers will wash their hands between 40 and 60 times in a single shift and using harsh chemical-based anti-bacterial solutions for years after years could lead to various skin problems.

Most people are unaware that making sure hands are dried effectively is equally as important as washing hands properly with soap and water. If hands are not dried properly they become the ideal breeding ground for germs to multiply since bacteria thrive in damp conditions. If hands are washed with soap and water but not dried, around 13 per cent of bacteria will remain – ready to be passed on through contact. However, by washing with ozone (O3) water, the ozone ions is able remain on our hands to continuing killing bacteria and viruses that we touch and come into contact with. Nevertheless, it is highly advisable to use proper paper towels to dry of excess moisture as the wiping action can also physically help to remove bacteria.

Alarming Medical Studies on Home Pets

A recent study made by researchers from the United States' Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that cats and dogs present a very high level of toxins.

The EWG analyzed blood and urine samples, collected from the Hanover Animal Hospital in Mechanicsville, from 35 dogs and 37 cats. The results showed over 40 different industrial chemicals, including some used in the furniture industry, fabrics and electronics. Large quantities of mercury were also present, most likely due to the fish used in pet food.

All the substances found were in quantities much greater than the ones found in humans. Over the past few years, health problems for animals have increased and the very high rate of cancer in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats could be linked to the accelerated toxin-growth.

Close to 50 % of all homes in the United States have a cat or a dog. Places with cats or dogs outnumber places with children by an average of 70 %.

One of the conclusions was that the results are not very surprising, as animals live close to floors and sometimes eat off the ground. On the other hand, it should be strongly taken into consideration that small children also tend to stay close to the ground and touch or lick anything found in their proximity.

The news should also concern adults because pets are exposed to these toxins in a similar manner as people – through tap water, pesticide residue, sprayed furniture coatings and by simply breathing the same indoor air pollutants.

Petlover's companion Cashido

Cashido Ozone Sanitizer is non-toxic and good for washing animals. It dissipates rapidly and leaves behind pure oxygen after oxidizing germs, chemicals impurities, and odors. Washing with Ozone Water, in addition to detergent, can enhance the sanitizing power, thereby reducing the dependency on chemicals and still have the effectiveness of removing germs and odors. This adds tremendous benefits to kennels or veterinarian to maintain proper hygiene.

Ozone (O3) : Every Home's Companion

Ever wonder how often you should toss or replace items around the house? Some common household items accumulate dust, dirt and mold more quickly than others. Here's the skinny on which should get your frequent attention so they don't become infested with germs:

Air Filters: Your air conditioning filter accumulates dirt and dust. Those airborne contaminants are an allergy and asthma sufferer's worst enemies and may be responsible for recirculating illness. Change disposable filters monthly, or wash reusable filters in Cashido ozone (O3) water and air dry before replacing.

Cutting Boards: Cashido ozone (O3) water will effectively kill up to 99.99% of bacteria on a cutting board surface. Try a scrubby brush for nicks and crannies. Keep a separate vegetable and meat board, and replace wood boards when they're fairly nicked up. Once plastic and wooden boards are cut up, even a thorough cleaning won't eliminate all germs deep down.

Food Storage: Tasting or sniffing that container of yogurt in the back of your refrigerator isn't always the best way to judge if it's still good. You can take the guesswork out by using our printable food safety storage timeline from Texas A&M University that tells you how long foods can be saved for.

Pillows: We recommend replacing pillows every three years. Since pillows collect dander and body oils, they're a breeding ground for dust mites - a major cause of allergies and upper respiratory infections. Cleaning them is nearly impossible since fibers break down, mat up and, over time, won't offer neck and head support. Soak your pillowcases with Cashido ozone (O3) water at least once a week to keep your skin clean and clear.

Sheets: Launder weekly in Cashido ozone (O3) water to keep bed bugs -- microscopic bugs that like to live in linens and mattresses -- at bay.

Sponges: Kitchen sponges are a breeding ground for germs. Wash them nightly with Cashido ozone (O3) water to disinfect. Replace your sponges every month or so; otherwise, you'll spread bacteria all over your kitchen - the dirtiest room in the house.

Toothbrushes: Worn or fractured bristles harbour germs that can be transferred right back into your teeth and gums. Let your toothbrush air dry in the upright position to keep fungus from flourishing. Toothbrushes should be kept an inch apart from one another so as not to trade germs and also kept away from the toilet. Bacteria from the toilet becomes airborne from every flush, so your best bet is to close the lid first. Rinse your brush periodically with Cashido ozone (O3) water, and replace it every three months or after a cold or illness.

Towels: Reusing bath towels several times conserves energy, but launder in Cashido ozone (O3) water once every week. The humidity of the bathroom from your hot showers keeps your towels moist -- a perfect place to harbour bacteria. Change bathroom and kitchen hand towels weekly.