poll: magazines at doctor's office?

redshoegirl

I went to an appointment with my OBGYN (who shares a practice with GPs) yesterday afternoon. If I see a magazine on the table that catches my eye, sometimes I'll pick it up to read - other times, like yesterday, I don't, and just people watch instead. And what I got to see was someone who was clearly quite sick (coughing, sneezing, boogery, etc.) pick up the magazine, read it while coughing all over it, and lick their fingers to turn every page, thereby guaranteeing that their hideous germs were spread as far as humanly possible. *shudder*

Needless to say, it's turned me off reading magazines at my doctor's office. I guess I never really thought about who was touching these things before...I mean, I knew they were around sick people (a doctor's office is like bacteria city), but that was just NASTY.

[Poll]

lisakeiko

Three words: Bejeweled on iPhone

MauiWedding08

I don't usually read them - I bring a book, knitting, or work to do.  I didn't start that because of germs but lately I had given that some thought too plus the places I have been going lately have really ratty looking magines.

I recently saw someone hacking all over the airplane magazines too - GROSS.

I do read the handouts, magazines, and books at my ND/acu office because she has fun earthy stuff to read - but they probably have been coughed on.

lelekay

I usually bring a book or my kindle, but I might grab a magazine if it catches my eye.  I honestly don't worry too much about that, unless I directly saw someone hack directly on it right before I picked it up.  I get exposed to about as many germs as possible in a day, as I see (and often touch) about 150 little kids each day, plus MH gets hacked on on a regular basis at work (he works in an immediate care center) and brings that home each day.  Unless it's direct exposure (i.e someone coughing right in my face), I think germs are kind of good thing.....keeps your immunity up!   When I first started teaching, I got sick about every month or so.  Now it's usually just a cold once a year.

mrsdarling

I voted 'Other' because I know I've read the magazines at my dentist's office in the past.  But now I have a Kindle app on my phone, so I just read my book or do a little FB catch-up while I wait.

mie

I will listen to music, surf the web or play different apps on my phone.

Amy4773

Until I read this, I DID read magazines while waiting.....

MauiBride2008

Yuck!  I used to, now I don't for the fear of all the germies...and now I FOR SURE don't...ICK!

eacerna

Good point Lisa. I didn't even think about that!! I rarely read the magazines though. Depending on how long I have to wait, I normally check my work blackberry or surf on my phone (facebook! lol). When i've done all of that and the doc is still not ready, then i'd people watch. If I see a magazine that I like (US or People), then I'd pick it up. I don't think I've gotten sick after visiting the doc's office though.

sanae78

I did read magazines at the doctor's office but that's pretty nasty.  I do make sure I wash my hands before I eat or touch my face or anything and I haven't been sick (flu) in 11 years.

I think from now on I'll just play with my phone. 

inamra

I used to ALL the time but I voted for no because since I got pg, I stopped picking them up for the reason you listed. And I don't think I will go back to reading them after delivery for the same reason--it's just that I never was that anal about getting germs before and now it's on my mind 24/7 and I don't think that'll change because I'd want to be careful when the baby is outside of my body too. Also, now that I have my Droid, it keeps me well beyond occupied while waiting for the dr.

Surfinbride

I love when dr's offices have good magazines! I was in pharmaceutical sales... so, I should have immunity to whatever germs go through dr's offices.

Have you ever heard of InStyle Makeover? It had a cover like it was it's own magazine... though, maybe they only put it out once a year. I also like the trashy mags like People. I would never buy one, but they are perfect for the dr/dentist's office. My favorite is when drs have a hobby like photography. My other favorites are travel and fancy home mags.

BoBride28

I have to admit I never really thought about all the nasty germs on the magazines and I usually pick up a magazine if it catches my eye at the doctor's office. I always carry hand sanitizer with me which I use pretty often so hopefully that keeps the germs at bay. However, I will probably think twice before reading another mag at the doc's office now!!

 

 

mrs.winter

I usually play on my blackberry (work) but I occasionally will read a magazine if it catches my interest.....will be thinking twice about it now

MrsIH

Amy4773:

Until I read this, I DID read magazines while waiting.....

Ditto! I actually will sit closest to the "good" magazines and read them as it makes time go by quicker.  Dentist office subscribes to People and I always indulge in that but... gross. :P