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HEALTH ALERT: Tips to sick-proof your home

Posted at 6:52 PM, Feb 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-20 18:52:03-05

With the flu season in full swing and illnesses on the rise, how do you prevent yourself and others at home from catching the "bug?" 

Don't just hope that you will not get sick.

Your home is your sanctuary, but you probably don't even realize there are germs lurking everywhere.

Jen Hayes, health expert and Yoga State Mind, Body, and Soul Owner, says the best way to germ proof your home is through a regular cleaning routine.

"The importance of cleaning is to keep the germs to a dull roar," she said.

The first step to germ-proofing your home is to wipe down the door handles.

"Since we touch them every day, the door handles should be cleaned often", Hayes mentions.

Besides washing your hands, clean and disinfect all of the surfaces and rooms in your home.

"If you are cleaning, anti-bacterial chemicals are an option, but there are a lot of natural products on the market such as peppermint, lemon, baking soda, and eucalyptus," Hayes adds. " They help to reduce bacteria and viral sources."

If you use sponges to clean, make sure you replace them every two to four weeks and wash them in hot water.

Also, change your bed sheets and toothbrushes often.

Courtesy of Hayes, here's a recipe for an eco-friendly antibacterial spray - to eliminate germs without a harsh chemical smell.

Antibacterial Spay

3 cups distilled water
1/2 cup of white vinegar
10-15 drops tea tree oil
6-10 drops eucalyptus oil (or lavender)
Spray bottle