Because it looks like H1N1 has come to the Valley.
Now, grant it...from what I'm hearing, the symptoms are actually a lot less severe than the normal flu. But this version has the potential to spread like wildfire. causing secondary issues that could prove worse than the original virus.
etc etc etc
But even aside from all of that... This year, Jet and I had decided to come up with a Keep- Germs-at-Bay-Plan to help curb the vicious viruses that enter, reside, and corrupt our otherwise healthy home.
Especially being that my family has had years where we've passed around sickness from October to January. Non-stop. Not even letting up for a Thanksgiving or Christmas break.
Messing with my holidays? Them fightin' words. So here are a few of our plans to kill any germ ballsy enough to come our way. Maybe some of them will inspire you...
The MEDICINE DISPENSING Plan:
Each girl will have her own medicine bottle AND dispenser. so we don't pass around germs from girl to girl.
This especially goes for the Salt Sea Spray bottles that we use. You know those things that squirt seawater up their noses? Highly recommend those! as we used them last year, on a daily basis, and saw a marked difference in the amount of sickness we had.
The DENTAL HYGIENE Plan:
Next on our list are the toothbrushes. and the communal cup they now rest in.
Bu-bye, Cup. And hello to travel containers!!We will be getting our own handy-dandy little travel case to house each individual toothbrush. And most likely each child will have their own toothpaste as well.
The girls will think it's Christmas with getting all their OWN stuff. ;) We won't tell them it's all for the sake of health. Presents sound soooo much better.
But even with using separate containers, we have to keep in mind that germs breed in damp places. IE. The ol' toothbrush is considered a huge breeding ground and has to treat it as such...
Note to self: *clean* your toothbrush in between the times you buy new ones! But how?
Option 1: Dishwasher Safe?
Run it through a dishwasher cycle, on the top rack (due to heat). ...I've heard of this but have never done it. Something about it just doesn't jive with me. Who knows why since I stick the forks in my mouth?
But then again, I've never professed to make sense outside of my own head.
Option 2: Liquid Swish
(Swish your toothbrush in varying liquid solutions)
- Listerine or another mouthwash for 30 seconds prior to use.
- Hydrogen peroxide. 1 tsp of h.p in 1 cup of water. swish toothbrush prior to use. (rinse with clean water to avoid the taste of the cleaner...or not, if you want whiter teeth? *grin*)
- Bleach. Place toothbrush in one part water/one part bleach. Just enough to cover the bristles. Swish around for 30 seconds. Rinse.
*Warning* Be careful not to splash liquid on clothing! and dump out the bleach immediately to avoid a child inadvertantly thinking it's a drink.
Option 3: Liquid Soak
Soak your toothbrush overnight in a vinegar solution, once a week. The vinegar kills the majority of mold, germs and bacteria. (Vinegar is amazing stuff! You can also use it as a face astringent! just make sure you'll only be at home, as it smells.)
I've also used the same soak method that people use to clean their dentures (can't remember the product name off hand). Just get a cup, pop in a tablet, and let the toothbrush soak.
For a quick soak method, put your toothbrush in a clean mug and cover the bristles of the toothbrush with boiling water. Keep the toothbrush in the boiling water for three minutes and then use as usual.
Option 4: Cover It.
But try to get it as dry as possible before storing it...and maybe get a cover with holes at the top to help aerate it. (keeping from "trapping the damp").
And if you DON'T cover it, be sure to put it as far away from the toilet as possible, preferably in a cabinet. And only flush when the top is down.
Trust me, toilet ...*ahem*...debris flies across the room up to 6 ft. Nasty news documentary I saw. Left a gruesome, unshakable impression. Ick.
So yeah. We plan on cleaning our toothbrushes...and storing them in a smart place/way. But when getting over an illness, it's recommended to (definitely!) get a new one!
The KILL the GERMS on the SPOT Plan
You know those sippy cups that we all use? Well, the little plastic things inside that allow them to be spillproof can get pretty foul, can't they?
So we'll be soaking them every once in a while in boiling water, or if they're especially nasty, a Clorox solution. Yes, it's safe. Yes, it's really mostly water. And yes, it works like a charm.
We also will be utilizing God's gift to the germophobe: Lysol.
I so plan on spraying down toys that Lani has been gnawing on. As well as doorknobs and lightswitches. Oh, and that beast of an exersaucer. When not in use, obviously. :)
And I totally plan on being one of "those" people. You know those people who pull out disinfectant wipes and give the shopping cart a good rub-down before sitting my child in its seat.
So if you see "that person" at the store...think of me. In fact, it may BE me. :D
The APPLE a DAY Plan
We'll also be cutting WAY back on sugar. *insert sob* Being that it depletes the ol' immune system. Seriously, Google it. The effects of sugar are scary. Almost enough to make me want to give it up completely. Almost.
though I'm still trying to convince myself. Apparently sugar also depletes my persuasiveness.
And one last thing:
The CRAZY MONKEY DANCE Plan (aka: what mommy does to make them laugh)
As I've been mulling over the different ways to try to do all I can to keep my family healthy this season, the Lord brought something to mind:
A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick. Prov 17:22 (TLB)
Duh.
So I'll be very intentional about planning FUN things. Trips to get them excited. Ideas to make them laugh. Playtimes to get them silly (it doesn't take much in this house).
When all is said and done, I'm thinking this may have the biggest impact. not only on their physical health, but also our quality of life. ;)
So there you have it. A "few" ways that we're planning on keeping Germs at bay. In hopes of maintain our health and joy this Flu Season.
