Things You Should Clean More
By Sara Butler
Even if clean is your middle name, chances are there are a few things you’re missing. Bacteria potentially harmful to your health are lurking just about everywhere and in things you use each day. To help minimize your risk of illness, then you need to make sure you clean the things around you. With cold and flu season here, that becomes even more important. Here are a few of the everyday things you should be cleaning more often to help protect your health.
Your Bedding
There’s nothing like crawling into your bed at the end of a long day. The last thing you want to think about when you’re settling in to finally relax is what may be hiding under the covers with you! If it’s been some time since you’ve washed your sheets, then you may want to sit down.
Studies have shown that people produce an average of 26 gallons of sweat when sleeping each year. That makes your bed a hotspot for bacteria and fungus. Your bedding also has animal dander, oils from your body, and food particles in it. If you suffer from allergies, it’s really important to wash your sheets often -- about once a week. Put it on your weekend chore list to rest easier at night.
Cell Phones
You handle your cell phone multiple times a day. Just think of all the other things you handle each day and then transfer that onto the cell phone! You wash your hands multiple times a day (or you should) and your phone is no different.
Studies have found that cell phones can carry about 10 times the amount of bacteria as a toilet seat. You wouldn’t put a toilet seat on your face, would you? So wash your phone daily with a screen wipe and microfiber cloth. It’ll help you to stay healthy.
Reusable Water Bottles
Your reusable water bottle sure does come in handy to help you stay hydrated, but are you taking good care of it? Because it holds just water, you may not think you need to clean it that much. While the water you put into it may be relatively clean, your mouth is not. Every time you take a drink, bacteria from your mouth wash back into the bottle. Make sure to dump out any water left in your bottle at the end of each day and wash your bottle each day with hot water and soap.
You strive to create a healthy environment for you and your family -- so don't overlook these common areas that can harbor germs!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Monroe, La.
