|
MommyDocs Download the Podcast HERE |
 |
If one family member gets sick it spreads quickly throughout the family. Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 days or more on some surfaces. In fact, the CDC found that nearly 22 million school days are lost each year to the common cold alone. To help your family stay healthy, you’ll want to take preventative measures, including disinfecting frequently touched areas. Try Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes – just use them on frequently touched surfaces like remote controls, light switches, and keyboards. These wipes actually kill the viruses that cause colds and flu and can be used for sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces. For more information visit www.clorox.com/healthier_lives/cold_flu/
Believe it or not, kids can touch up to 300 surfaces in just 30 minutes – that’s a lot of chances to spread germs around the home. You want to be especially cautious of germs in the kitchen when you are preparing food. In fact the average cutting board has 200 times more fecal bacteria than the average toilet seat. Bleach is a great way to disinfect many different areas - from cutting boards and dishes to toys and pet bowls! Just mix a solution according to the directions on the package or the information on www.cloroxbleachuses.com
A great way to teach kids how to wash hands is with the Simplehuman® touch free sensor soap pump. You just put your hand underneath the spout and dispenses soap automatically. The pump has a built in 20 second timer -- so you know how long to wash to get germ-free. The touch-free operation also makes it easy to prevent cross-contamination when cooking, which is another great way to keep from getting sick. Surprisingly only 16% of people who wash their hands only wash long enough to remove the germs. It’s important to remember that those few extra seconds may save you the cold or flu this season. Runs of four AA batteries. Price: Brushed metal $50 and Black $40 www.simplehuman.com
Teach kids to sneeze into their elbows and not their hands. This can stop illness from spreading through the school and your home. Now give kids a PLACE to give their germs to - Instead of you! It’s almost like a tissue for their elbows -- Germy Wormy Sleeves encourages kids to sneeze into their elbows. They teach germ awareness in three easy steps, cough and sneeze into elbow, keep germs away from your face and wash your hands often. Parents can get involved with the Parent Guide and families can learn together with the “Protecting the Fort” DVD. Ages 2-7. Price: Starting at $12.95 www.germywormy.com