Germs!

 

 It has been a bad cold and flu season and it has all been caused by a microscopic organism called "The Germ". You cant completely wipe out these harmful little guys but with minimal effort you can make your home a less likely place to get sick.

Sniffling, sneezing, coughing...sound familiar at this time of year? If you have children, it's even harder to avoid being exposed to viruses. Germs are everywhere and one of the best ways to try to keep you and your family healthy is by germ-proofing your home.

 

Bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, so it’s a must to fight back and keep your home and the high traffic areas clean. Some of the germiest places in your house include doorknobs, faucets, computer keyboards, appliance handles, telephones, children’s toys, toilet handles, and the remote control. Gross right? Kill germs by disinfecting these surfaces. If someone is sick at home, disinfect daily.

 

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, as of January 5, 2013 there have been 13,073 confirmed cases of influenza in Canada. Influenza is spread from person to person through droplets, like sneezing and saliva, and by touching objects and surfaces that are contaminated with the virus. So cleaning the surfaces your hands touch is most important.

 

Most of the disinfectant products contain chemicals that can be hazardous to your health. Try cleaning with white vinegar - it’s a great way to keep your home germ free, it’s non-toxic and eliminates most bacteria, mold and germs. You can also use essential lavender oil which is another germ fighter. Add several drops of it to a cup of water in a spritz bottle and use it to disinfect your kitchen and bathroom.

 

Next, make sure to wash your hands well and often as it’s the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself against influenza and the common cold. Not only will it help keep you healthy, it will help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to others. Make sure you wash your hands before and after handling food, after going to the bathroom, and when you come home. Also teach your children these good hand washing habits to prevent germs. Place bottles of hand sanitizer in several locations around the house to encourage use in addition to frequent hand-washing. Also remember not to cough or sneeze into your hands, spreading germs as you touch things. Instead cough into fabric, like your sleeve.

 

It’s almost impossible to completely avoid germs, but the more effort you put into germ-proofing your home the better chances you’ll have to keep your family healthy.

 By Todd Fryer

Sales Representative

Century 21 Aberwin Realty

905 869-3473