How To Make Homemade Disinfecting Surface Wipes
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 10:17 AM PDT
By Sara Tipton
It’s important to keep surfaces clean and disinfected – especially during a pandemic emergency. Because the coronavirus can live on surfaces for up to a few days, keeping up your cleaning regimen is essential to your health and the continued sanitation of the home.
The CDC recommends disinfecting areas where there can be large numbers of household germs — and where there is a possibility that these germs could be spread to others. Here are some hotspots to hit: doorknobs, faucet handles, toilet flushers, bathrooms, phones, keyboards, remote controls, countertops, and tables. Keeping your hard surfaces clean is essential during the flu season. Here is an easy way to keep the cleaning as convenient as possible.

Moreover, they suggest the best way to keep a home clean is by using these guidelines:

• Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

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Since we all love the convenience of cleaning wipes, here’s an easy way to make them.
Here’s What You Need:[/font][/size]

• 1 roll of paper towels
• Clorox
• Water
• Plastic cleaning container for wipes (I like to reuse old Clorox wipes containers)

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Homemade Disinfecting Surface Wipes
INGREDIENTS[/font][/size]

• 1 roll paper towels
• 1/2 cup Clorox (or any bleach)
• 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
• 1-gallon water

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INSTRUCTIONS[/font][/size]

• Add bleach and dish soap to water; stir well.
• Cut paper towel roll to fit into the desired container.*
• Pour enough solution over paper towel roll to fully absorb (2-4 cups).
• Remove the cardboard center from paper towel roll.
• Pull pieces of paper towel (wipes) from the center hole of the roll.
• Cover surface; allow to sit for 5 full minutes.
• Wipe with a wet cloth; air dry.

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NOTES
There is always some of the disinfecting solution left over. Add it to a spray bottle for another use. Cotton towels can also be placed in the solution, used, laundered and reused.
This is a simple way to repurpose your old Clorox wipes containers and save a few dollars by making your own.
Article source: Ready Nutrition
This article was originally published at Ready Nutrition on March 15th, 2020
The post How To Make Homemade Disinfecting Surface Wipes appeared first on Dr. Leonard Coldwell.
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Coronavirus Self-Isolation: A Psychologist Explains How To Avoid Cabin Fever
Posted: 16 Mar 2020 10:14 AM PDT
By Sarita Robinson, University of Central Lancashire
People who suspect they may have come into contact with the coronavirus are being advised to self-isolate (stay at home) for 14 days. For some people, the idea of self-isolation may seem like a dream come true. For others, the idea of being cut off from the outside world, alone or with only a few close family members, will fill them with dread – ask any parent who has had to entertain two small children at home on a wet afternoon.
When people are stuck indoors for long periods of time, they can report getting “cabin fever” or feel like they are going “stir crazy”. Observations from actual or simulated space missions or people living in confined spaces, such as those spending a winter on polar stations, also suggest that some people may find self-isolating more difficult than others. However, there are some simple measures that you can take to help you adapt.
1. Boost your immune system
Research on the effects of loneliness suggest that when people lack social connections they are more likely to suffer from physical health problems. For example, older adults who can’t leave their homes due to impaired mobility are more susceptible to illness, such as heart disease. And studies have found that polar research crews can suffer from reductions in their immune system.

The good news is that the period of self-isolation needed for coronavirus should not result in any marked changes in how your immune system works. But during self-isolation it may be a good idea to try to improve your immune response. Exercise and getting enough vitamins can help here (although contrary to some internet sources, they’re not a cure). Psychologists also believe that listening to upbeat music or watching a movie can also boost your immune function.
2. Structure your day
For some people, self-isolation might still lead to some mild mental health issues. We know from people who have spent a winter in a polar research station that longer-term isolation and confinement is linked to psychological problems. One study found that in crews over-wintering, over 60% reported feeling depressed or anxious; and nearly 50% felt more irritable and had problems with memory, sleeping and concentrating.
Obviously, coronavirus self-isolation won’t be as extreme or as long as for those exposed to an Arctic winter and so the impact on mental wellbeing is likely to be much less extreme. But some people who are self-isolating may have difficulties with sleep (insomnia), feelings of restlessness or sadness, or start to feel demotivated.
To combat these problems, it is important to maintain a structure to your day. Having a set schedule for meal times and a set bedtime can help you to stay on track. Planning out activities and setting goals can also help keep you motivated and stop you feeling down.
3. Maintain social contact
An obvious reason why isolated people may feel low or anxious is that they can’t draw on the support of friends and families to help them deal with the difficult situation and share their worries and concerns. Studies also suggest that without such social support, people may turn to less positive coping strategies, such as [drinking more alcohol].

So during self-isolation you should stay in contact with your social network. This can be as simple as phoning a friend for a chat, sending someone an email or joining in with a discussion via social media. Reaching out to a friend has been shown to be better for your mental health than having a glass or two of wine in a bid to block out your worries.
4. Avoid conflict
In some cases, people will be self-isolating with a small group of people, whether family or friends. This may limit loneliness, but could present other challenges, namely the possibility for arguments. Even those we love dearly can get on our nerves when we’re stuck inside with them for long enough.
Cosmonaut Valentine Lebedev, who spent 211 days on board the space station Mir, reported that around 30% of his time in space was spent dealing with crew conflicts. Increases in group tensions have also been seen in polar research stations. So it’s a good idea to try to reduce interpersonal conflicts.
Research looking at reducing conflict during space missions has suggested that exercise can counteract the negative effects of confinement. More generally, 20 minutes of exercise a day can also help lift your mood via the release of endorphins, as well as reducing feelings of tension. So it may be time to dust off that exercise DVD or download a new exercise app.
Another strategy to reduce conflict is to have some time away from each other. If you start to feel that a situation is likely to escalate, it is a good idea to take at least a 15-minute timeout. Sit in separate rooms and let everyone calm down. Normally after 15 minutes, the reason for the argument does not seem as important.
Finally, it is important to remember that if you feel self-isolation is having a very negative impact on your mental health, you should seek professional advice.
 

Soap and water is tried, tested and true!