There are so many things within your own home that will keep you more than preoccupied with cleaning.  But what about some of the normal household items you’ve never thought about?  Are there things in your house that are getting coated with germs and bacteria without you knowing it?  Here is a list of things to look out for:

Laptop/Computer-Most of us use electronic devices numerous times a day.  The keys can get coated with germs.  Try cleaning the keys of your computer once a week to ensure that you aren’t spreading more germs.

Salt/Pepper Shakers-Have you even thought about these?  When is the last time you cleaned them?  They are used on a daily basis.  Try using antibacterial soap or run them through the dishwasher.

Laundry/Washer-Did you know that wet laundry after it has been washed is still coated with germs?  Not until it is put in the dryer does all the bacteria disappear.  Also, be sure to wipe down your washer.  If you aren’t using hot water all the time, try using it now and again.  Hot water kills most breeding bacteria.

Dry rack-Setting your dishes in a dry rack after you’ve washed them is convenient.  However, over time this rack can accumulate some gummy microorganisms.  Putting it in the dishwasher will help decrease the risk of getting germs on your plates/dishes.

Sponge-Kitchen sponges are known for being a breeding ground for nasty bacteria.  It sits wet on your kitchen sink inviting germs.  Try using paper towels or other forms.  If you love a sponge, use it for a while then throw it away and bring out a new one.

Door nobs-Think about how many people have touched your front door in one day.  Your kids (who have been to school), the UPS man, your neighbor, and so many others.  It’s a sure way of getting sick and passing along germs.

TV Remote Control- How many times do you change the channel when you’re in the middle of cooking?  Did you just touch raw chicken then use the remote?  Daily cleaning of a remote control is the best option for decreasing a chance for illness.

Remember, the human body has an incredible immune system.  But why not help it out a little bit by ensuring the things you touch daily are clear of bacteria that might harm you or your family.

Recent findings from biology and education research show that regular schedules of physical activity actually improve the workings of the mind.

In children, regular exercise has shown an increase in memory retention, attention span, and overall learning development.  It has also shown to assist in decreasing attention deficit disorders. 

Older people are also encouraged make exercise an every day habit.  By doing so will help decrease cardiovascular disease as well as many other diseases and delay a cognitive decline. 

Brain cells grow and develop and work better when challenged.  Studies have shown that at least thirty minutes a day of walking, jogging, or weightlifting helps improve mental health. 

A recent study at the University of Carolina medical school concluded that physically active elderly people showed more cerebral blood vessels than those who were not active. 

For starters, aerobic exercise pumps more blood throughout the body, including the brain.  More blood means more oxygen, and therefore with more oxygen, the brain actually appears younger.

Overall, if you keep yourself moving, you will have more brain power when you are older!  Honestly, who doesn’t want that? 

As roman orator Cicero put it: “It is exercise alone that supports the spirits and keep the mind in vigor.”

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 Novel H1N1 or “swine flu” as it is recently called, is a growing worry and threat to many families around the world.  It is a new virus found in April of 2009 and since, the CDC has declared it a public health emergency.  Normally this influenza is found in pigs, however, the flu has recently infected humans causing health officials to fret it will spread globally.

Swine flu contains the basic symptoms of a normal influenza, or flu such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, etc.  It is contagious.  The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic level to a six level threat scale meaning the virus is capable of being passed from human to human. 

There is no proven risk that the disease can be contracted through eating pork, drinking water, or from recreational water venues such a swimming pools or water parks.  However, it is a respiratory disease spread through coughing or sneezing and the bacteria can live on a service for up to 8 hours. 

How can you help prevent contracting this disease?  The most important thing you can do is to wash, wash, wash!  Wash your hands after a sneeze or cough with an alcohol based cleanser.  Try not to touch your mouth, eyes, or nose, this is the main way germs enter the body.  Try not to be in contact with someone who is sick, and if you are sick, stay home for at  least seven days.

A vaccine is being worked on and could be ready as soon as September of 2009.  The CDC recently presented a press conference expressing the importance of five target groups for the initial focus for immunization.  These include pregnant women, household contacts of children who are under 6 months of age, health care workers and emergency medical personnel, children and young people between 6 months-24 years of age, and non elderly adults with underlying medical conditions that have increased risk from influenza.

(Photo credit: Flikr)