Chances are you’ve come in contact with someone that’s been ill recently. To eliminate germs in your home this winter season follow these helpful suggestions.

· Allow fresh airflow in your home daily. Open a window or outside door for a few minutes each day.
· Change the filter on your heating and air conditioning system at least every 3 months.
· Change your toothbrush after recovering from a sore throat. In the winter, change your toothbrush monthly.
· Disinfect doorknobs, light switches and all cabinet knobs when there is sickness in your household to keep from spreading germs to other family members.
· Soak drinking glasses used by sick family members in the sink with warm water and a teaspoon of bleach for five minutes before washing.
· Wash bed sheets and towels in hottest water possible, adding ½ c. vinegar to each washer load.
· Don’t share pillows with sick family members. Sick persons should use their own bed pillow when resting on the sofa.
· Take Vitamin C supplements or eat fresh citrus fruit.
· Always wash your hands after using a Kleenex or caring for the sick. A bed-ridden person can clean their hands with a hand sanitizer after sneezing and using a Kleenex. Never sneeze into your hand. If a kleenex or handkerchief is not available, sneeze into the inner elbow of your shirt sleeve.
· When sick with a fever, chicken soup, herbal teas and ginger ale are soothing and help keep you hydrated.

©Deborah S. Tukua, www.hollycreekbooks.com. Deborah is also the author of Pearls of Country Wisdom, filled with hundreds of helpful, household hints and home remedies.

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