Scared of a huge power bill this winter? Well you don’t have to compromise your cozy, warm home to keep your costs down.
Today 30 kids in the US will be injured by chemicals called hydrocarbons. You may not have heard the name, but chances are you have some in your home right now. Hydrocarbons are found in things like gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, and furniture polish. As Ivanhoe reports, you may be putting your children in danger and not even know it.
American's are in the beginning stages of the typical cold and flu season that usually peaks around February. Once a family member or friend brings the flu virus or a cold into your house, it's difficult to stop it from spreading. With colds often comes missed school, work, scheduled activities and sleep - a chain reaction we'd all like to avoid.
Cold viruses grow mainly in the nose where they can multiply and be easily spread by sneezing or touching the nose and then touching just about anything else.
You know it's probably coming so, what's a parent to do? There are several steps you can take to minimize the spreading of viruses.
1. Get a yearly flu vaccine. Everyone in the family, except for children under 6 months old, should be vaccinated. The flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. The vaccine can protect you from getting sick from these three viruses or it can make your illness milder if you get a different flu virus.
2. Hand washing. One of the most effective ways to prevent colds from spreading is for every family member to wash their hands often and correctly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch.
A quick rinse isn't going to remove a virus from your hands. Hands need to be scrubbed for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. When you can't wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer. Keep a bottle, or sanitizer wipes in your car and purse.
3. Keep household surfaces clean. Doorknobs, light switches, computer keyboards, remote controls, countertops, anything that is touched my multiple people will shelter viruses. Wipe these surfaces often with soap and water or a disinfectant solution.
4. Throw away used tissues. Used tissues can contami