Most of us think of the bathroom sink as a place to wash away dangerous germs. But many sink drains harbor disease-causing fungus, a Penn State study released this week found.

The fungus Fusarium is known for causing diseases in crops such as tomatoes and wheat, and one strain, Fusarium venantum, is even produced for use as human food under the name Quorn.

But some strains are dangerous to humans, causing infections in the nails and cornea in people with healthy immune systems, and fatal bloodstream infections in people with weakened immune systems. A 2005-06 outbreak of corneal infections among contact lens wearers in the U.S. was blamed on Fusarium.

Taking samples from nearly 500 bathroom sink drains in homes, businesses, university dormitories and public facilities across eight states – including California – reasearchers found traces of the bacteria in 66 percent of the drains and 82 percent of the buildings. Around 70 percent of the strains isolated were those likely to infect humans. Fusarium is resistant to many antifungal drugs, making infections difficult to treat.

Thorough hand washing, drying feet thoroughly after showering, and careful contact lens hygiene are the best preventive measures.

As you plan what to give up or take on in 2012, consider a resolution that could help you live a few years longer – and be happier doing it. The California Department of Public Health has a few suggestions:

1. Quit smoking. Who still smokes in California? Almost 4 million people, that’s who (says the CDC). If you’re one of them, you probably know the health risks, and you’ve felt the $2,000-a-year hit to your wallet. Consider calling 1-800-NO BUTTS or visiting NoButts.org for help quitting. People who love you will thank you.

2. Know your numbers. Keep track of your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight. If these numbers are in healthy range, you lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes and other health problems. If you’re overweight, losing just 5-7% of your body weight (10-14 pounds for a 200-pound person) can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50%.

3. Eat to live. Make half your plate at each meal fruits and vegetables, eat more whole grains and fewer processed foods and sugary drinks. www.ChooseMyPlate.gov can help.

4. Get moving. Even if you can just fit in 10 minutes of moderate physical activity at a time, three times a day, you’ll help keep your bones, muscles and joints healthy, imrove your heart health and reduce stress. Check out the CDC Physical Activity for Everyone  guidelines for ideas.

5. See your doctor. Protect your health by getting vaccinated against flu, whooping cough and other dangerous diseases, and get screenings for colon (everyone), and cervical and breast cancer (women).

6. Be prepared. From earthquakes to wildfires, mudslides to windstorms, our state has disasters for all seasons. Keep your supplies stocked and have a plan for communicating during a crisis. Get more info here.

And if you slip a little after the first week or so, don’t give up. Good health is worth working at all year.

Mothers who work part-time during their children’s infancy and preschool years are healthier and happier than those who work full time – and those who stay home, says a study of more than 1,300 mothers out this week from the American Psychological Association.

Compared with stay-at-home moms and those employed full time, researchers found that moms working part time (one to 32 hours per week):

• reported better overall health and fewer symptoms of depression

• appeared more sensitive in interactions with their preschoolers

• provided more learning opportunities for their toddlers

Mothers working part time were also just as involved with their children’s schools as stay-at-home moms, and more involved than moms working full time. The study appeared in the December issue of the Journal of Family Psychology.