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In today’s health conscious society, it’s not surprising that I get at
least five to six inquiries per week about using public toilets.
Sometimes the person is afraid to use the toilet at work for fear of
infection. As a result, if they work in a hot environment, we have to
worry about dehydration and heat stroke. These persons tend to avoid
drinking adequate liquids to keep from having to go to the rest room.
If this habit persists for more than a few days, a bladder infection may
develop and cause absence from work. I’ve seen patients who worked
eight hour shifts in textile mills and never used a rest room until they
went home at the end of the day. Just like adults, if a child has been
warned over and over about germs and the use of public rest rooms, they
can develop an unhealthy fear of using them. This fear can lead to
trying to hold urine or avoiding bowel movements for long periods of
time. These habits can lead to infections, damage to bladder or
kidneys, and chronic constipation. Overall, it is obviously far better
to avoid creating paranoia about such necessities of life. One way to
avoid such fears is by teaching everyone the safe way to use public rest
rooms. While it is true that urinals and toilets can be a source of
germs or infection, if used properly, you can make it unlikely that
germs will be picked up. A few common sense methods should be taught to
your children, without trying to scare them. Let’s take a look at
teaching safe use of public toilets.
The water contained within the bowls of every public toilet and
urinal probably contains bacteria. So, the first step in safe use of
these facilities is to flush them both before and after you use them.
By doing so, the water into which urine or waste is deposited will at
least be clean and unlikely to splash germs onto buttocks or genitals.
Flushing after you finish is a courtesy for those who follow.
Most germs, including AIDS cannot live on a dry toilet seat. If the
seat is wet or dirty, you should thoroughly clean it with a wet paper
towel and then dry it well, before sitting on it. Even draping toilet
tissue or using toilet seat covers will not help protect you from a wet,
dirty seat. All of that waste will just soak through and end up on your
skin anyway. Some upscale restaurants are proving Lysol to spay the
seat prior to use. You would still need to make sure it was clean and
dry before sitting.
A lot of men do not understand safe use of the urinal. It’s just as
important to flush before use, as it’s more likely that water and bowl
contents will splash out of it onto the genitals. It’s not uncommon to
see men who allow their genitals to touch the sides or base of the
urinal. This poor hygiene habit may lead to infections in both members
of a marriage. Little boys who can’t adequately reach the urinal
without allowing their genitals to touch, should either stand on a step
stool or use a low sitting toilet. The child should not be made fun of
because he’s sitting like a girl. This is a health issue, not a he-man
contest. Every public rest room should have a low hanging urinal or a
step stool just for little guys. When flushing the toilet or urinal
after use, you should step away so no liquid will splash on you. It’s
not uncommon for stray urine to end up on pants legs and shoes. For
this reason, you should not walk barefooted into a public test room if
you have cuts or sores on your feet. Avoid dropping your pants to the
floor if there is a puddle of urine there. If you make a mess, clean
it up. If the seat is washed and dried when you leave, then it will
provide a safe and pleasant experience for the person who follows. If
you’re not willing to lift toilet seats instead of urinating on them,
then don’t cuss when you find one in the same condition during your
moment of urgent need.
Washing your hands is the final step in proper use of public
restrooms. If you must open a door to leave, and you don’t wash your
hands, then the next person to touch the knob or handle will share your
hygiene problem. Oops, does that mean you’ve grabbed a rest room door
handle that may have someone else’s urine on it? Or possibly even
worse! Be considerate and think of other people’s safety and
convenience in using those facilities. Remember, we all learn best by
example. So be a good example for everyone!
Dr. Frank |
