Dr.Dianne McCallister, Chief Medical Officer at Porter Adventist Hospital

Next week at this time, many of us will be on our way to visit family for the Thanksgiving weekend. Many of us worry about getting sick when flying. However, a study called the Healthy Workplace study would suggest that if you want to stay healthy, the places that germs actually lurk involve everyday activities.

In this study, researchers swabbed 350 surfaces in six different American cities - including Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and others.

They then did a test using ATP - adenosine triphosphate. It measures contamination with bacteria, viruses, molds and human/animal/vegetable cells. A count over 300 was considered to be likely to transmit disease.

The dirtiest place the researchers found was the handle on gas pumps - 71 percent of these had a count over 300.

After gas pump handles the other surfaces include:

1. Mailbox Handles - 68%
2. Escalator handrails - 43%
3. ATM buttons - 41%
4. Parking meter and kiosks - 40%
5. Crosswalk Buttons - 35%
6. Vending Machine Buttons - 35%

Just as a comparison, ATM buttons were much dirtier than public toilets. This replicates other studies - one that I participated in at a school.

The reason? Every day the Environmental Services staff cleans toilets and other surfaces in restrooms - but who cleans the ATM, the gas pump handle and the escalator and stair rails?

At the school we tested, the dirtiest place in the school was the arm of the teachers chair.

Simple Ways To Reduce Germs

Cleaning every surface before touching it is impractical - but it is a good idea to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently - particularly after touching any surface that others also touch.

In addition - the infection route is generally through your face - hands, nose, eyes - so keep your hands away from your face.

In your workplace - be sure to divide and conquer - particularly during the flu season, which is now.

When traveling, be sure and wash your hands and your childrens often, and think about wiping down the arm rests of your airplane seat when you board to get rid of any germs left from the last travelers.

Finally - if you are eating out - sanitize your hands AFTER you order from the menu - menus are known to have a lot of germs!

We are just getting into the flu season, so now is an excellent time to get your shot.

Dr. McCallister is on 7NEWS at 11 a.m. every Wednesday. If you have a topic or question you would like her to discuss, email 11am@thedenverchannel.com.