Asthma Inhaler Tip

Here's a little tip I came up with to store your inhaler in a purse or backpack. My son, Timothy, has asthma. He needs to carry his inhaler to school, but is always coming to me with an empty inhaler even though he hasn't used it all. The reason is, inside his backpack, the plunger gets pushed by the normal use of the backpack, causing the inhalant to spray out inside his backpack.

Yesterday at WalMart while filling his inhaler prescription, yet again, I decided to find something to put the inhaler in that would prevent the dispersment of the inhaler inside his backpack. I first scoured the Housewares department, but couldn't find anything small enough. Then it hit me!

In the Health and Beauty department is travel products. Sample size shampoos and soaps. Also, there are travel sized empty containers to put your products in without having to carry the big bottles. I ended up buying one of those travel soap containers that you put a bar of soap in. The inhaler fit perfectly and doesn't take up a lot of room in his backpack!

Vacuuming Dos and Don'ts

Vacuuming is one of the easiest chores you do, and should be common sense. But, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it efficiently and effectively. Follow these tips to keep your floors looking as good as they can.

Vacuuming Dos

DO vacuum regularly. Once a week is good. Twice a week is better.

DO move furniture. If you're not moving and vacuuming under everything except the heavy furniture, you're leaving behind dust that accumulates and could cause problems in people with allergies or asthma.

DO "edge". That crevice tool that hangs from the vacuum isn't just there for looks. Take it out and use it to get into place the vacuum can't reach.

DO use the other tools, too. That's what they're there for.

DO replace filters periodically. A clogged filter will diminish suction power.

Vacuuming Don'ts

DON'T rush. Every time you make a pass with the vacuum, you are pulling more and more dirt out of the carpet. Make as much as five to ten passes over high traffic areas.

DON'T let the bag/canister get too full. The fuller the bag/canister, the less suction power your vacuum has. Change or empty regularly.

DON'T vacuum hardwood floor with the brush on. It could damage the floor. If you can't turn the brush off, avoid using the vacuum on these types of floors.

DON'T neglect your vacuum. Vacuums need regular maintenance. Belts wear out and brushes wear down, making you think it's not performing the way it should. Most vacuum stores offer maintenance services.