Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Spring 2019

ARCHBOLD.ORG • SPRING 2019 7 which is where it needs to be to keep foods safe. The temperature of your freezer should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. •  Avoid cramming too much into your refrigerator. Cold air must circulate around refrigerated foods to keep them properly chilled. “I recommend following the manu- facturer’s expiration dates to get the best quality out of the food item,” said Smith. “When you see ‘Sell By,’ ‘Use By’ or ‘Best By’ dates on foods, those are quality dates. The further you get past that date, the greater chance you have of food spoilage, especially for perish- able foods like meat, dairy, eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables.” Disinfect everything Most people surface-clean regularly during the winter to keep germs at bay, especially when the flu is going around. However, the spring season is the perfect time to deep-clean your house. “Keeping your living and sleeping areas clean and replacing the air filters in your home can help reduce your exposure to allergens and other particles that can contribute to common and uncomfortable symptoms such as cough and nasal and sinus congestion,” said Jackson Hatfield, MD, family physician at Archbold Primary Care. “The spring is a good time to disinfect spaces that are usually overlooked, because germs can hide anywhere, and they can make you sick.” Here are some tips to help you reach those difficult spots: •  Use a broom or vacuum cleaner attachment to get under all furniture and in hard-to-reach places. •  While mopping the floor, also wipe down baseboards and corners. •  Remove grime on light fixtures, mirrors and window treatments with vinegar. •  Wipe handles and doorknobs with a multipurpose cleaner or disinfectant wipes. •  Throw out old sponges. These helpful kitchen tools are germ magnets. Disinfect sponges every few days by letting them soak in a bleach-water solution. After a couple of weeks, however, they should be thrown out and replaced. “While it may seem like a daunting task to clean your living space, it can help prevent illness,” said Dr. Hatfield. Organize with the right movements Cleaning and organizing are at the top of people’s lists when it comes to spring cleaning. In order to deep-clean areas, most people have to move furniture. “Improper techniques can lead to bothersome inju- ries,” said Jami Stephenson, director of rehabilitation at Archbold Outpatient Rehabilitation. Keeping a stable base is key to reducing the risk of injury. “Always keep a wide and stable base with your feet before lifting heavy objects,” said Stephenson. “Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly forward.” Improper lifting techniques can also result in some forms of back injuries. To avoid an injury, keep your back straight, shoulders back and look straight ahead. The upper back should be as straight as possible. “It’s also important to bend your knees and not your back,” said Stephenson. “And try not to bend or twist your back when lifting or carrying heavy furniture. Instead, turn with your whole body.” Easy does it While spring cleaning can sometimes seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. Taking these small steps can help keep your family healthy and your house clean. Jackson Hatfield, MD Primary Care Physician Jami Stephenson, OT, CHT Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation