Household Tips

This is an odd one… But, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health has issued a public advisory on handling pet food safely. According to them, 21 cases of salmonella in Pennsylvania have been linked to pet food handling!

Here’s what bothers me: Shouldn’t the food I buy for Fido and Fifi (or at my house Pooka and Izzy) be salmonella-free to begin with? I don’t want to feed my pets that stuff!

Nonetheless, here is the list of safety tips. It makes my friend Judy look very smart — she cooks for her pets every day!

Buying Tips

– Purchase products (canned or bagged) with no visible signs of damage to the packaging, such as dents, tears, discolorations, etc.

Preparation Tips

– Preferably, people should feed their pet in areas other than the kitchen.
– Begin with clean hands. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap before and after handling pet food and treats.
– Wash pet food bowls, dishes and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use. The bowl or utensils used for pet food should not be washed in the kitchen sink. In households where there is no alternative, the sink area should be adequately sanitized after these items have been cleaned and removed.
– Do not use the pet’s feeding bowl as a scooping utensil — use a clean, dedicated scoop, spoon or cup instead.
– Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products in a safe manner (example: in a securely tied plastic bag in a covered trash receptacle.)

Storage Tips

– Pet food should not be handled or stored in areas where food for humans is prepared. If this does happen, it increases the potential for cross-contamination from the pet food to foods being served to people.
– Promptly refrigerate or discard unused, leftover wet pet food (cans, pouches, etc.). Refrigerating foods quickly prevents the growth of most harmful bacteria. Refrigerators should be set at 40 degrees F. The accuracy of the setting should be checked occasionally with a refrigerator thermometer.
– Dry pet food and pet treats should be stored in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees F.
– If possible, store dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, dedicated plastic container with a lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed.
– Keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.
– Keep pets away from garbage and household trash.

pet food, dog food, salmonella

And now that we’ve been convinced there’s a problem, Clorox and the CDC offer us a solution!

Help to Expel Germs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 52 million cases of the common cold each year among Americans under the age of 17. With illness keeping students out of school for a national average of four days a year, experts advise parents to devise a plan of action for how to deal with their kids’ sick days.

Donna Mazyck, president of the National Association of School Nurses offers the following tips for helping to reduce the spread of germs in the classroom:
— Teach children hand-washing habits; it is one of the most important thing teachers can do to help prevent illness during the school year. Use warm, soapy water and rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds (about the same time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.)

— Use disinfecting wipes regularly on commonly touched classroom surfaces to decrease the level of germs that can cause illness.

— Encourage kids to cough and sneeze into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch).

— Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, as these are easy ways to transmit germs after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.

— If you are uncertain about when to keep a sick child home, it’s important to talk with your school nurse or doctor.

Clorox is providing tips and tools for teachers to help them expel germs from their classroom. For more information on promoting a healthier classroom, teachers can sign up at http://www.cloroxclassrooms.com to download free “Clean Up the Classroom” lesson plans, children’s games and more.

School, Teachers, Germs, Classrooms

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this here before, but just in case I haven’t… By day, I’m a high school teacher. That means that I spend my day with a minimum of 150 students coming through the door of my classroom, spreading germs. We just started back to school this week, and already I feel like I’m coming down with a cold. (And yes, I’m using Airborne!)

So, I found this press release very interesting. I, indeed, do clean student desks with Lysol wipes (to try to disinfect them), but I’m sure I don’t pay attention to everything they suggest.

This is a long article, so I’ll give you half today, and half tomorrow! Come back!

In a recent survey, school nurses say more can be done in America’s classrooms to help prevent the spread of illness, especially at the height of cold and flu season when more than half of school nurses send five or more sick children home each day.

According to the new survey of school nurses from the National Association of School Nurses about germs at school sponsored by The Clorox Company, 76 percent of school nurses treat more than 16 ill students every day.

In addition to ensuring proper hand washing in the classroom, the survey showed:
— An overwhelming 94 percent of nurses surveyed believe classroom cleaning routines for teachers to follow would help combat germs at school
— Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe disinfecting plays an extremely important role in maintaining a healthy classroom.

— 98 percent disinfect their own offices. It’s also important for sick students to stay home.

— More than half of students seen by school nurses came to school ill. Traditionally, school custodial staff members clean areas of the classroom including floors, chalkboards, sinks and bathrooms, but do not disinfect desktops, computer keyboards and mice, and other high-touch areas where germs can harbor. It’s left to teachers and parents to clean these
items.

A fall 2005 study by University of Arizona further shed light on the importance of cleaning in schools. After comparing bacteria presence on office surfaces of professionals in different occupations, the study ranked classrooms as the #1 workplace for germs and named teachers as having the “germiest” job.

Lyson, Airborne, Teachers, School, germs

We are having one heckuva heat wave in the South — temps over 100. I’m sure those of you who are desert dwellers are rolling your eyes at that. But remember, we also have 90% plus humidity! That also means that power bills will SOAR next month. Try these tips from PSE&G to cut electricity usage:

– Turn off everything you’re not using; lights, TVs, computers, etc. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.

– Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.

– Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.

– Delay heat-producing tasks such as washing and drying laundry or dishes until later in the day, and wait until the load is full.

– Refrain from using nonessential appliances. Unplug or use only when necessary an extra refrigerator in your garage.

electricity, conservation

Since I don’t have one, I’ll have to thank The Maids for posting this great list of “easy” tips for housekeeping!

– Place a doormat outside of your front entry door to reduce the amount of dirt tracked into the home.

– Leave a squeegee inside the shower and have each family member squeegee the walls after each shower. This reduces hard water buildup and a lot of scrubbing later on. A towel can also be used in place of a squeegee.

– Pour 1 cup white vinegar in the toilet bowl and leave overnight. Flush in the morning and the waterline ring should disappear.

– Enlist the family’s help by assigning age appropriate chores. Kids ages 10 and under can make beds and pick up rooms, while children older than 10 can vacuum, dust and wash floors. Convince your husband to move and clean behind appliances!

– Break up chores by scheduling common tasks for certain days of the week. In the past, women used to do chores by the day of the week. This traditional method breaks down the long list of weekly chores into seven days, making tasks seem more manageable.

housekeeping, cleaning, toilet ring

I have to admit that I do find this a little bit creepy. I remember my little brother lusting for the latest and greatest Swiss Army knife as a pre-teen. Apparently, the knives aren’t enough any more! Swiss Tech now sells a 7-in-1 life-saving instrument. Check this out for yourself. Creepy? Or the top of your Christmas list?

The BodyGard(TM) 7-in-1 Platinum Series Emergency Tool is the newest product in Swiss+Tech’s line of emergency preparedness tools. It is designed to help drivers escape from their vehicles during an emergency by breaking the side or rear window and freeing themselves and passengers from their seatbelts.

Like the popular BodyGard(TM) 5-in-1 Emergency Tool, the new BodyGard(TM) 7-in-1 Emergency Tool combines an automatic glass breaker, seat belt cutter, sonic alarm, bright LED light and emergency flasher in a device small enough to fit on a key ring. New added features include a digital tire gauge and a thermometer.

Not only can the BodyGard(TM) be used in vehicle emergencies, it can also be used to signal for help or to ward off attackers. With the push of a button, it’s piercing sonic alarm signals trouble with a high-decibel output. It’s flashing red distress light signals for, and directs help to your location. The bright dual LED flashlight can be used for night sight and safety. The push button activated digital tire gauge has an easy to read LCD display, and the thermometer reads temperatures from 0 degrees to
120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Swiss Tech, Swiss Army Knife

Here is a great list of tips from a conservancy group in Mono Lake, California for saving money and conserving water!

Ten ways that will save the most:
1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it springs back, when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. So set your sprinklers for more days in between watering. Saves 750-1,500 gallons per month. Better yet, especially in times of drought, water with a hose.

2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Saves 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.

3. Don’t run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end. Saves 150 gallons each time. For a two-car family that’s up to 1,200 gallons a month.

4. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.

5. Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.

6. Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Saves 150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that’s more than 600 gallons a month.

8. Don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Saves 400 to 600 gallons per month.

9. Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or your garden. Saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.

10. Don’t water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter. Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs–and only there. Saves 500 gallons per month.

water, conservation

Edison Electric Institute to the rescue! Their new “Get Energy Active” website at http://www.getenergyactive.org has all kinds of tips to keep the power bill down this summer.

The Web site, developed by Edison Electric Institute, contains a houseful of simple, no- and low-cost tips for using electricity more efficiently. A few examples include:

— Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when the house is occupied, and at 85 degrees when vacant (save 1 - 2 percent per degree raised on cooling costs).
— Keep the door and vents closed in unused rooms (save up to 3 percent on cooling costs).
— Wash/dry full loads of clothes and use cold water as often as possible (save 2 - 4 percent on energy costs).
— Use a microwave oven instead of a regular oven (save up to 90 percent on cooking costs).

electricity, power bill

Here’s a great selection of chid safety tips from Hunter Douglas.
— Use window guards on all windows above the first floor. Screens aren’t strong enough to stop the fall; they are meant to keep insects out, not to keep children in. Look for quick-release features for easy emergency exits.
— If it’s necessary to keep windows open for ventilation, install locks that limit the size of the opening.
— For sliding glass doors, apply bright stickers at a child’s eye level to alert him or her to the presence of glass.
— Be sure to keep all furniture and cribs away from windows.

windows, safety, children

I’m a Southern gal. I know that some folks immediately think South = HOT. And you’re right; it does. But we are also FIRM BELIEVERS in air conditioning. You walk from the air conditioned house to the air conditioned car into an air conditioned building… We absolutely control our environments.

Which means, when I travel outside of the South (especially to the Midwest or to Europe), I find that I have trouble sleeping. Because these places don’t seem to have acknowledged my need for a 75 degree sleeping environment. Enter a new product that I want! I can’t tell if this is sized right for travel, but what a great idea! A mattress pad that can be cool or hot with the flip of a switch! Check this out:

Cool or Heat, LLC is proud to announce its latest innovative product, the Cool-or-Heat Sleep Pad, an energy-saving, full-body mattress pad that allows people to enjoy endless nights of perfect sleep by cooling them down in the hot summer months and
keeping them warm and cozy throughout the cold winter. With a flip of a switch, the water that circulates throughout the slim-line mattress pad cools down to perfect sleeping temperature of 70 F or heats up to a warm and cozy 98 F using safe and energy-efficient thermoelectric technology. It can significantly reduce monthly energy bills by not having to pay the high cost to cool or heat an entire bedroom (or house) at the desirable temperature to sleep comfortably year-round.

The Cool-or-Heat Sleep Pad is a full-body personal cooling and heating system that fits on any size bed, right or left side, and can be used on top of the sheets or discreetly hidden underneath the sheets on top of the mattress. Each retail package includes an ultra-quiet thermoelectric power-pump with a digital temperature display that sits on the side of the bed on the floor, a slim-line soft cotton and foam mattress pad with inner tubing that circulates cooled or heated water, and a convenient corded remote control.

The Cool-or-Heat Sleep Pad is conveniently priced at under $200. The Cool-or-Heat Sleep Pad follows last year’s successful launch of the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion, which are both patent-protected products of Cool or Heat, LLC, headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. For general product questions please call (877) 801-9811 or e-mail sales@COOLorHEAT.com. Visit us online at http://www.COOLorHEAT.com for more information, images, and online ordering.

air conditioning, sleep pad, mattress cover

This is something that none of us likes to think about, but just what DO you do in a disaster? Preparing your home helps to protect your family (not to mention your investment!) Read on, to learn important safety tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation.

A hurricane, tornado, flood, fire or lightning accident can occur in a blink-of-an-eye. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) urges consumers to become more knowledgeable about electrical safety during and after weather disasters by offering free tips on what you can do to protect your family from electrical dangers.

To help keep you and your family safe from electrocution and electrical fires, ESFI has created a free, downloadable Electrical Safety Precautions During Disasters brochure, available in both English and Spanish at http://www.electrical-safety.org. This booklet includes basic information to help consumers identify safety precautions before a disaster hits.

“After severe weather is gone, electrical hazards can still cause deaths and injuries,” noted Brett Brenner, ESFI president. ESFI warns consumers to beware of electrical dangers associated with downed power lines, portable electric generators and electrical wiring or appliances that have been wet. Brenner recommends that people in areas struck by such storms or disasters can help prevent loss of life and property by following some simple safety precautions.

ESFI’s Electrical Safety Precautions During Disasters brochure is available for downloading from the ESFI Library on ESFI’s website,
http://www.electrical-safety.org. Print copies can also be ordered through ESFI’s website, or call ESFI at 703-841-3329.

Electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety standards have reduced electrical hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage. But good safety habits are still the best prevention against electrical hazards. Visit
http://www.electrical-safety.org for more information on electrical hazards and precautions.

Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America’s only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home and workplace.

For additional electrical safety information, visit the Foundation’s Web site at http://www.electrical-safety.org or call 703-841-3229.

preparedness, electricity, safety

OK, let’s get it out of the way… Other than to DRINK! Here are some great uses for rubbing alcohol!

household tips, alcohol

Ok, of course adding salt to your lawn fertilizer would be a bad idea. But if you haven’t fertilized your lawn this summer, it’s probably time. Over-fertilizing can be as bad as (or worse than!) not fertilizing at all. If you’re like me, with a postage-stamp sized lawn, try a salt shaker. Yes, really. Grab an old (empty) salt shaker, and use it to properly fertilize small areas of lawn or flower beds.

lawn, grass, fertilizers

You know, it’s easy on the student. I know I was totally clueless about what it would actually be like living away from home. My two goals? A good stereo and a personal fridge. Oh, and a coffee maker. That was it for me! Luckily, my mother was a bit more practical! For those of you moving into dorm or moving kids into dorms, check out these helpful hints from Lowe’s. With a $150 budget, you can do pretty well!

As college-bound students face the daunting task of turning a 230-square-foot space into an all-in-one bedroom, kitchen and living area, here are a few easy decorating ideas that can appeal to any budget. For less than $150, students can transform an entire dorm, complement any roommate’s style, and ease the tension when packing up at year’s end.

Students shouldn’t forget functional items such as a small box of basic tools, tape, and extension cords that will
come in handy during the school year. Here are a few simple ideas to jump start the transformation to dream
dorm room.

Get on Board
Bulletin boards and white boards are crucial to keeping track of party invitations, ticket stubs, notes from family and to-do lists.
— Keep notes in style when creating a new bulletin board. Buy four packages of natural cork and attach them to a piece of plywood (Item #12206, $5.88) with foam mounting squares. Consider painting the plywood and cork in your school colors or bedroom theme.
— White boards can function as message centers for roommates or quick artwork. White tile boards are available in the Lowe’s lumber department where a store employee can cut the boards into custom sizes.

Lights On
Since most dorms come equipped with only one large overhead light, give your study space some comfortable lighting. Consider hanging string lights such as the Square Nylon Lantern String Lights (#18082, $10.98) from your ceiling. These lights create a relaxing atmosphere, without taking up valued floor or furniture space.
— Put a twist on the traditional study lamp. Choose a lamp with a textured shade that has a lot of color such as the Portfolio(TM) Pink Coin Table lamp (Item #237110, $23.98).

Relax on a Rug
For those late night study groups, having a comfortable rug is essential. Many dorm rooms and apartments lack adequate seating, so friends are forced to retreat to the floor. Pick a rug that complements both roommates’ styles but will still hide dirt. Consider choosing from the Broadloom Assorted Rugs collection (Item #264529, $21.98). Many rugs can be found for less than $40, so if it gets too dirty, you can throw it away at year’s end.

Make your walls POP
Posters are a dorm room tradition, but consider a new way to dress up your walls with Wall-Pops(R) (five for $9.96). These stick-on wall decals come in a variety of colors and shapes and are repositionable, reusable and removable. They allow you to redecorate as often as you like without leaving any paint damage.
— Cover up drab, marked walls with Wall-Pops(R) by layering stripes throughout the room. Vertical stripes on an accent wall can make any room appear taller and gives the illusion of more open space.

Curtain Call
Standard dorm blinds get high marks for privacy, but they might not rank so high in the style department. You can decorate any window or closet with a shower curtain for around $30. Buy a tension rod and matching shower curtains to cover any jumbled clothing or boring blinds.

Create Great Storage
Any storage unit bought for a dorm can be carried into fraternity or sorority housing, apartment living, and even a future home. It’s key to invest in good-quality durable bins and stackable units that will last for years, even after tastes change.
— Choose flat bins with wheels for under-the-bed storage such as the Rubbermaid Wheeled Underbed Storage Box (Item #110001, $14.97). The wheels provide versatility and make items such as school supplies or snacks easily accessible.
— A three-drawer chest of drawers on wheels (Item #72317, $14.97) makes a great bedside table, keeps organization simple and can hold an alarm clock, lamp or textbook.

In the last couple of years, we’ve all become increasingly aware of chemicals. Pesticides. Abrasives. Cleansers. Stuff. Added to other stuff that we think is safe. Some have responded by cleaning their homes with only vinegar and water. (I like vinegar. I just don’t like using tons of elbow grease!) So, how much chemical is too much? Well, according to the SDA, that’s the Soap and Detergent Association, science and research suggest that we can safely use modern cleaning products. They urge us to use “common sense.” (Wow! There’s a term you don’t hear much these days. I’ll leave the value judgment to you. Part of me is convinced. The other part will continue using lots of clear, plain, white vinegar.

Whether it’s the kitchen counter, the school cafeteria or the operating room, proper use of cleaning products serves a critical role in preventing the spread of infectious disease and in ensuring good health.

This fact won’t change, despite a recent report (based in part on outdated databases) that maligns ingredients commonly found in cleaning products — ingredients that help enable the product to be effective, according to The Soap and Detergent Association. Since 1926, SDA has served as the home of the U.S. cleaning products industry, representing product
manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.

“We encourage consumers to use common sense when they use cleaning products and when they hear alarmist rhetoric about product safety,” said Nancy Bock, SDA Vice President of Education.

“Responsible manufacturers ensure their products go through comprehensive, extensive risk assessments, and also review scientific developments and monitor product use data that may affect the safety assessment process. An incredible amount of research and development goes on before these products ever hit the shelves, not to mention that the products must meet certain federal and state quality and safety regulations,” said Bock.

“These products are used safely and effectively in homes, schools, businesses and healthcare settings by millions of people every single day, yielding improvements in both hygiene and overall quality of life.

“Cleaning products play an essential role in our daily lives,” added Bock. “By removing soils, germs and other contaminants, they help us to stay healthy, care for our homes and belongings, and make our surroundings more pleasant.”

CleaningProductFacts.com
SDA’s new micro website, http://www.CleaningProductFacts.com, offers consumers quick, useful, fact-based information on the human health and environmental safety of cleaning products.

Use As Directed
Bock noted that three words can go a long way to preventing any real-world problems from ever happening when using cleaning products: Use As Directed.

Read the label carefully. Use the product properly. Store the product securely.

“These simple steps go a long way toward ensuring that the product is used safely as you clean your home every day,” said Bock.

Cleaning to Control Asthma and Allergy Triggers
Bock added that proper cleaning products and practices play an important role in reducing the triggers that lead to asthma and allergy suffering.

“Using cleaning products as directed is a powerful ally in eliminating or reducing the triggers that lead to asthma suffering, including dust and dust mites, animal dander, insect droppings, and mold and mildew.”

SDA makes available — at no cost — online educational materials on how cleaning is an effective and inexpensive way to combat asthma and allergies. Visit SDA’s Asthma Information Page at http://www.cleaning101.com/asthma to view our online materials.

The Soap and Detergent Association (http://www.cleaning101.com), the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Product and Oleochemical Industries(SM), is the non- profit trade association representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products, their ingredients and finished packaging; oleochemical producers; and chemical distributors to the cleaning product industry. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S. The SDA is located at 1500 K
Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005.