One of the best ways to avoid

sickness though is knowledge and by reading "The Official Guide to

Germs" and "505 Flabbergasting Facts About Germs," both

written by author Carole Marsh and published by Gallopade International,

readers can learn about everything from Anthrax to Zoonoses.

Marsh, a native of Atlanta

and current Peachtree City resident, grew up in the shadow of the CDC.

"Instead of telling ghost stories, my friends and I told germ stories,"

said Marsh, who is an award-winning author and specializes in writing

about tough subjects in plain English. "It's time we learn more

about germs. What we don't know could hurt us and what we do learn

could save the life of someone we love."

"The Official Guide to

Germs" goes alphabetically down the list of things to watch out for.

For instance, adenovirus germs cause the common cold. Some ways to prevent

the common cold are to limit your sugar intake, stay hydrated and limit

the intake of iron, if possible, because it is a mineral that feeds bacteria.

Another example of a bacteria mentioned in the book is Listeria, which

is a form of food poisoning that can be prevented by avoiding soft cheeses

made from unpasteurized milk.

In addition to the pages and

pages of material about germs and diseases, "The Official Guide to

Germs" �also includes a list of further resources, including a list

of Web sites and phone numbers, a glossary, a place to keep pertinent

family medical and emergency contact information, and much more. Though

some of the diseases discussed are extremely rare occurrences in America

or have been cured, the book still offers a thorough examination of germs

and illnesses and how to prevent and treat them.

"505 Flabbergasting Facts

About Germs" is less a reference material and more of an interesting

read. Marsh has assembled hundred of interesting facts about germs, bacteria

and disease. For instance:

- Psychologists from Wilkes

University in Pennsylvania found that the immune systems of college students

who engaged in sexual intercourse at least once a week, but not more than

twice a week, were able to better defend against colds and the flu.

- It is widely believed

that anthrax was the cause of the fifth and sixth plagues in the Book

of Exodus in the Bible.

- Botulinum is six million

times more toxic than rattlesnake venom. A lethal dose is a mere 1.10,00th

of a milligram. Botox, a popular cure for facial wrinkles, is made from

a form of botulinum.

- In early 2003, a news

report in New Mexico stated that with the use of Doppler radar, scientists

would be able to predict the next Hantavirus epidemic, to a specific house.

- Kissing boosts the immune

system by helping the body beef up its defenses against germs.

- According to the CDC,

nearly one in four Americans are infected each year by something they

eat.

- Tests show that up to

18 percent of food handlers in restaurants have intestinal infections.

- It is estimated that

a single teaspoon of soil may contain thousands of different species of

germs. A single spoonful of seawater can contain more than one billion

viruses.

- When you sneeze, germs

can shoot out at a race car pace of 100 miles per hour.

- Only one percent of

the United States' budget for health care is spent on disease prevention.

- People who attend church

have stronger immune responses to infections.

Those facts are just the tip

of the iceberg. "505 Flabbergasting Facts About Germs" doesn't

just stop at 505. There are over a hundred more interesting pieces of

knowledge in the book, as well as a glossary and a list of resources.

Marsh is also currently hard at work on two more germ-related books, "A

is for Anthrax" and "Banned By The CDC." She also has written

a book about germs for younger readers called "A Kid's Official

Guide to Germs: Our Enemies and Our Friends!"

Marsh feels it is important

to mention that none of these titles are "scary" books. "Scary

is when we don't know about something," she explained. All of

these titles are available at www.gallopade.com.

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