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Flu-fighting tips. Chances are high that you or someone you know has already suffered through the flu. These housekeeping tips from The Maids Home Services (maids.com) can help combat the virus.
Wash hands regularly in warm, soapy water. For quick cleanup use antibacterial hand sanitizer. Make an effort not to touch your mouth, nose or eyes without first washing your hands.
Spray disinfectant on a cloth and wipe all hard surfaces — toys, doorknobs, appliance handles, keyboards, remote controls, light switches, phones, tissue box covers, tables, chairs and counters. Viruses can live for up to 48 hours on hard surfaces.
Wash towels and bedding in hot water with soap. Be sure not to share these items until they are thoroughly cleaned if someone has been sick in the home.
Change vacuum bags monthly or more frequently.
After the flu, boil toothbrushes for one minute in water and vinegar, run through a dishwasher cycle, or purchase new brushes.
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Scholarship dollars. “Debt Disease,” or erroneous credit card debt that grows and spreads, is on the increase among young Americans, according to the Service Employees International Union and the League of Young Voters. Those agencies teamed up to produce “Keep It In Your Pants,” a video contest with a top prize of $5,000 for the best student-made public service announcement about the dangers of misusing credit. Submissions are being accepted until March 12. Details at .
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Fix-it optimism. . recently compiled a survey that reveals some homeowners are eager to take on large renovations this year in spite of a struggling economy. More than two-thirds of Americans are gung-ho on home improvement in 2008, according to the Golden-based service referral company. Among the survey’s other findings:
Fifty-nine percent of poll respondents have a home- improvement project planned for 2008.
Thirty-one percent of respondents will consider current economic conditions when deciding whether to proceed with that project.
Sixty-five percent of respondents plan to “stay and improve” their homes this year. Twenty-six percent plan to “just stay” without improving. Eight percent would choose to move.
