From Baby-Proofing to “Health-Enhancing” Your Home

A lot has changed since Child Health Day was established in 1928, and today creating a healthy and safe environment is as important than ever. In celebration of National Children’s Health Month this October, here are some ways to enhance your family’s health and safety, starting at home.

Infants and children learn and play by putting their hands in their mouths and by crawling. Keep your home clean and safe with non-toxic cleaners, such as the homemade one listed below.

Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm near sleeping areas.

Cut the loops on window blind cords to keep little ones safe from possible strangulation.

Adjust the temperature on your hot water heater to 120° F to avoid scalding.

On November 1, change the battery in your smoke alarm when you change your clocks for the end of Daylights Saving Time.

Promptly drain bathtubs, remove water from buckets and close the tops of toilets to prevent drowning risks..

Clean fan blades and air conditioner vents, and check for and remove mold in bathrooms and other areas frequently to remove allergens to prevent respiratory problems that can arise from indoor environments. Avoid using pesticides around children. For more information, visit the National Pesticide Information Center at npic.orst.edu/health/child.html.

Vinegar Cleaner: Vinegar kills both E. coli and salmonella bacteria; it’s inexpensive and it can be used everywhere, from countertops and glass to floors. Make a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner by mixing 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water in a jar. If desired, add essential oils and/or citrus peels for scent (vinegar odor disappears when the cleaner dries.) Keep in a spray bottle for easy use.