Germs away naturally

Well, it’s flu and cold season, and as parents, we want to keep our family as healthy as possible, especially with the H1N1 flu virus making its rounds. We’ve got the vibe on ways to prevent getting sick and a natural hand sanitizer to help.

Keys to preventing the flu

Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently – for about 30 seconds (or the length of the Happy Birthday song). Basically, any time before or after touch anything, wash your hands.
Eat healthy, well balanced meals each day filled with lots of vegetables. A well-nourished immune system is able to better fight off infections.
Supplement with a probiotic, cod liver oil and healthy multivitamin.
Make sure that you and your children get enough sleep each night. At least seven to eight hours for adults and 10 to 12 hours for growing kids.
Sneeze and cough into a tissue (or arm) and then throw it in the trash. Wash your hands after you handle that tissue.
Keep your hands off your face. Don't touch your eyes, pick your nose or put your fingers in your mouth.
Avoid those who are sick. Pass on that play date if your friend or friend's child is sick. Stay home if you are sick.
Reduce stress and get regular exercise.
Say no to sugar. High processed sugar intake can suppress your immune system.

Keeping germs at bay

You've heard it before: always wash your hands with soap and water. But when you're on the go, soap and water may not always be available. That's where hand sanitizers play a handy role. Stay clear of antibacterial products that contain Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical found in many personal care products that may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics, fueling the growth of super bugs. Triclosan is linked to some health problems, including disrupting thyroid function.

We recently received a sample of a chemical-free hand sanitizer from Lavish & Lime. CleanWell Natural Hand Sanitizer claims to kill 99.99% of germs including salmonella and staph, and is safe for kids. For the last few weeks we have put our CleanWell hand sanitizer to the test. We used it at the petting zoo, pumpkin patch, after preschool, at the park and just about everywhere. Out of all the hand sanitizers we have tried, this is our favourite. We like the fact that it comes in a small single bottle and it is easy to apply thanks to the spray feature. All you need is a couple of sprays on each hand, rub it in, and voila, you have clean hands. Perfect for famillies on the go. It contains no alcohol so your hands don’t dry up. Made from a blend of FDA-approved natural essential plant oils, CleanWell seems to be a healthy replacement for a bar of soap and water when on the go.

Where to find it

Available at Lavish & Lime in a single bottle for $5.50 or a six pack for $30 (saves you $3), and in two scents: original citrus herb (that’s the one we use and like) and orange vanilla. Babyvibe readers save 10% with the code VIBE10 until Oct. 31, 2009.

For more information on the H1N1, visit www.fightflu.ca. To find out more about the H1N1 and pregnant and breastfeeding women, visit online.

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The big children's apparel sample sale continues this week at the GX Building in Vancouver. In addition, the Burbidge, MacKay Sales Agency will be having a sample sale in showroom 264 at the FX Building across the street. Fulton Sales Agency has moved to a larger showroom - 245 - at the GX Building and has some deals on brands like Petunia Pickle Bottom, Pampolina, Knuckleheads and more.