Month: July 2019

2019-07-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – Studies show that one in 10 women suffer from endometriosis. To bring attention to this common but not commonly discussed condition, one doctor and patient from El Camino Health in California are sharing their story.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue very similar to that which normally lines the inside of a woman’s uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pelvic discomfort, ranging from mild pain with menstruation to debilitating pain every day, as well as infertility. There are a variety of treatments women can pursue, but one of the most comprehensive is laparoscopic wide-excision surgery to find and remove the abnormal tissue growth.

How is it treated?

Dr. Andrew Cook, a gynecologist who practices at El Camino Health’s hospital in Los Gatos, which is in Silicon Valley, specializes in this treatment.

“For women with severe endometriosis, many doctors use a procedure that cauterizes the tissue. However, this method rarely removes all the endometriosis. It may relieve pain for a time, but the condition often recurs. Some women undergo numerous surgeries of this kind without relief,” explains Dr. Cook.

“I use a treatment I’ve found to be more effective: laparoscopic wide-excision surgery. This minimally invasive surgery removes the entire region around and under the area affected by endometriosis,” continues Dr. Cook. “Of more than 1,600 women I’ve worked with, two-thirds report a 75 percent reduction in symptoms, and more than half report a more than 90 percent reduction in pain. For the vast majority of my patients, a single surgery has relieved their symptoms.”

Tips for living with endometriosis pain

Dr. Cook recommends patients combine the procedure with noninvasive treatments. He has written several books on the subject that provide tips and suggestions for how to minimize your pain.

Some simple steps that can help ease the pain of endometriosis include:

• Start a stress reduction program with lots of rest, relaxation and meditation
• Maintain a regular exercise routine that includes strength training and cardio
• Focus on a diet that reduces inflammation and optimizes gut health
• Take regular warm baths or place a heating pad on your lower stomach for pain relief

One patient’s journey to a life without endometriosis pain

One of Dr. Cook’s books, “The Endometriosis Health and Diet Program: Get Your Life Back” was read by Jessica Berge, a college student from Washington state who has suffered from endometriosis for years.

“My whole body was always in pain. I tried acupuncture for the pain in my lower back, hormone therapy, medical menopause, everything had side effects that were almost as bad as my pain,” Jessica says. “Dr. Cook’s book suggested diet changes, exercise and more, all of which I implemented,” Jessica continues. “I noticed a big difference just by making those lifestyle changes, so when we began to think about surgery, I figured the only way to do it was to go to California to see Dr. Cook.”

Jessica set up a virtual appointment with Dr. Cook. Via the video connection, they determined the next step would be for Jessica to come to California for surgery.

“Dr. Cook and his team were amazing. Within days, El Camino had me scheduled and ready to go,” explains Jessica.

Jessica just finished a semester studying abroad and is thrilled that she was able to experience it largely pain-free.

“I have so much praise and thankfulness for Dr. Cook. He is so professional and truly the expert in endometriosis. Everything about my surgery was seamless, largely thanks to him and the hospital staff.”

For more information on endometriosis and the treatments available to you, go online at https://www.elcaminohealth.org/services/womens-health/conditions-treatments/endometriosis.

2019-07-03T17:01:00

(BPT) – Mark your calendars! Prime Day is right around the corner on July 15 and 16, lasting a full 48 hours this year to give Prime members a two-day parade of epic deals. Prime Day offers the chance for you to save on everyday essentials and get deep discounts on big-ticket items you’ve been waiting to purchase! There are several ways to save even more this Prime Day; here are a few tips:

• Only Prime members can take advantage of Prime Day’s deals and savings, so now is the time to sign up or try out a free 30-day trial. If you’re an EBT cardholder or Medicaid recipient, you may qualify for an Amazon Prime membership for the discounted price of $5.99 per month. You can learn more and try out a free 30-day trial by visiting amazon.com/qualify.
• Make a plan to stock up on items you use regularly and purchase often, such as diapers, baby food and household products like paper towels.
• Prime Day is a great time to prep for the upcoming school year, which requires lots of purchases that can add up quickly. Check out Amazon’s curated Happy School Year storefront and watch for deals on clothing, laptops and school supplies.
• If you don’t need your order right away, select the No-Rush shipping option. Doing so earns you rewards and discounts on future purchases. Rewards are automatically added to your Amazon balance so you can start saving right away.
• Download the Amazon App to ensure you never miss a deal. This is the easiest way to preview, track and shop those limited time Lightning Deals while at home or on-the-go with deal alerts right in the app. Learn more at amazon.com/watched.
• Try using Amazon Cash this Prime Day instead of your debit or credit card. Using it is easy and will help you limit your spending. You can visit more than 45,000 participating stores including pharmacies like CVS and convenience stores like 7-Eleven to add cash to your Amazon balance. This method is quick, easy and Amazon doesn’t charge any fees.

A Prime membership offers much more than just amazing savings on Prime Day. Year-round, you can enjoy low prices on a wide selection of products; free one-day delivery or faster; the best in entertainment through Prime Video and Prime Music, e-books through Prime Reading, photo storage with Amazon Photos and more; all with the ability to cancel anytime. In a nutshell, Prime adds convenience, time, money savings and fun to members’ lives. Learn more, sign up for a free 30-day trial, or join at amazon.com/qualify.

2019-07-03T16:17:00

(BPT) – Summer activities like hiking, camping, picnics and barbecues are all fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But spending more time outside can lead to mosquito and tick bites, and the potential for bringing these pests inside the home and putting families at risk for insect-borne diseases.

According to the CDC, cases of disease pathogens transmitted by ticks, mosquitoes and fleas more than tripled between 2004 and 2016 — which includes Lyme disease spread by ticks and West Nile Virus carried by mosquitoes.

Here are some tips for keeping insects away and enjoying summer to its fullest.

For the great outdoors

When hiking, stay in the middle of trails, not along the sides. Walking through vegetation, leaves and high grasses can make you susceptible to ticks, including deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks). This species can even be present in low grassy areas such as backyards.

Wear long pants and socks to help deter ticks from attaching to the skin, and serious hikers should treat outdoor clothing and hiking boots with an EPA-registered repellent containing permethrin.

Check yourself (and your children) from head to toe for ticks after being outdoors. If you find a tick on your body, remove it immediately with fine-tipped tweezers.

Clothing should be tossed in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes after returning indoors to ensure ticks aren’t coming inside.

To keep mosquitoes at bay during hikes, use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following ingredients: Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Picaridin, IR3535, DEET, 2-undecanone and Para-menthane-diol (PMD).

Avoid wearing perfumes and using soaps or lotions with fragrances, as these can attract mosquitoes.

A bug-free backyard

If deer are common in the neighborhood, use a deer repellent like Tomcat(R) Repellents Deer Repellent Ready-To-Use to prevent them from hanging around the yard and bringing in ticks. Additionally, eliminate plants that deer like to eat and consider building fencing to keep them out of the yard.

Make sure the lawn doesn’t become a tick habitat by clearing dead leaves and removing any brush or tall grasses. Use gravel, stones or wood chips as a barrier between the main recreational areas of the yard and the areas with more vegetation, where ticks are often present. For additional tick and mosquito control, treat your yard with Ortho(R) Home Defense(R) Backyard Mosquito & Bug Killer Ready-To-Spray.

To keep the backyard mosquito-free during summer parties, eliminate standing water around the home and yard, as these are prime mosquito breeding areas.

Another way to prevent mosquitoes from ruining backyard barbecues is to use a product like Ortho(R) Home Defense(R) Perimeter Protection Repellent Candles. These candles repel two times more mosquitoes than citronella and are made with spearmint and lemongrass essential oils. The candles release a mellow, fresh citrus scent that creates an invisible barrier to keep pests away.

Keep insects outside

To help keep insects from entering the home, check that all door and window screens are in good condition, with no holes or gaps. Don’t leave doors open too long, especially during dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Use Ortho(R) Home Defense(R) Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter to create an effective barrier against common insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, ants, roaches and spiders. Create a 12-inch band along the perimeter outside the home’s foundation, and/or set the product to spray a 4-inch band along the interior perimeter of the home, wherever insects are a recurring problem. The easy-to-use spray dries quickly, with no odor or stains, to create a long-lasting bug barrier.

Following these helpful tips can help keep mosquitoes, ticks and other insects away for a hassle-free summer.

2019-07-03T16:37:00

(BPT) – No matter how old or out of shape you think you are, it is never too late to add more physical activity to your life. Regular and consistent exercise can:

• Help you control your weight. Along with healthy diet, exercise plays an important role in preventing obesity.
• Reduce your risk of heart diseases. Exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation and can lower blood pressure.
• Improve your mental health and mood. During exercise, the body releases chemicals that can help you handle stress and reduce the risk of depression.
• Strengthen your bones and muscles. Weight-bearing activities can help increase and maintain muscle mass while slowing the loss of bone density that naturally comes with age.
• Reduce your risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, uterine and lung cancer.

Experts say these benefits apply regardless of ability or skill level and staying active can be even more critical for people with disabilities. Adaptive sports — activities modified for people with disabilities — provide improved physical and mental well-being, as well as increased independence, purpose and social interaction.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Recent studies indicate that disabled veterans who participate in adaptive sports report benefits such as: Less stress, reduced dependency on pain and depression medication, fewer secondary medical conditions, higher achievement in education and employment, and more independence.”

Paralyzed Veterans of America, a service organization that advocates for veterans who have experienced a spinal cord injury or disease such as MS or ALS, says adaptive sports are often game changers for their members, helping them through rehabilitation and improving their quality of life.

PVA and the Department of Veterans Affairs co-present the largest annual multi-sport wheelchair event in the world, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Wheelchair Games and more than 600 athletes will compete in 19 sporting events over six days in Louisville, Kentucky.

All participating athletes are U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, MS, ALS, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. Kenneth Lee, M.D., director of the Milwaukee VA Spinal Cord Injury Center and a combat-injured Army veteran, is the medical director of the Wheelchair Games. Lee says adaptive bike riding was key to his own difficult recovery after being injured in Iraq in 2004. It took him years to overcome the effects of an open head wound and shrapnel injuries to his legs.

Lee explains that sports tap into the natural competitive spirit and speed healing, physically and mentally. “Participating in adaptive sports gives patients a feeling of inclusion. They compete in new ways and you can see their confidence come to life,” he says. “When athletes go to the Wheelchair Games, they go home different, feeling like they can work through other barriers in their everyday lives,” he adds.

Adaptive sports do not alter the sports that able-bodied athletes play but simply allow modifications to fit the needs of the athletes with disabilities. This ensures adapted athletes are playing and competing on par with able-bodied athletes.

Army veteran Jennifer Steele says, “Sports really made me feel alive again!” Steele, 38, served as a sergeant on a patriot missile crew for five months at the beginning of the Iraq War. During her service, she started having difficulty running and was eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and given a medical discharge. It took years for her to work through the anger and depression that followed.

She still chokes up when she recalls the first time she played wheelchair softball. “It was like getting a part of myself back that I thought I had lost forever,” Steele says. This year, Steele is preparing to compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games for the third time.

Paralyzed Veterans of America has year-round adaptive sporting events across the country for individuals with disabilities, including people with amputation, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and neurological disorders such as MS or ALS. Learn more at pva.org/sports.

The power of physical exercise can help us all overcome hardships and challenges to improve our lives. A few small changes to your daily habits to make exercise a part of your regular routine can bring all of these benefits into your life as well.

2019-07-03T12:29:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year, when the weather’s heating up and everyone is inviting friends over for a great day in the sun or evening feast. Make sure your cookout stands out as one of the summer’s best memories by offering everything your guests will need for a seriously amazing time.

Here are some sure-fire ingredients for having an awesome cookout.

Beer

While simply providing beer for your cookout is likely a no-brainer, many “experts” believe it’s important to offer a variety of options for your friends. It’s summer, so consider more drinkable beers that really quench your thirst on a hot day — try out some lighter styles like Pilsners, shandies or lagers. Look close to home and find specialized breweries or brands to capitalize on local sourcing and small-batch food trends. Choose area favorites that your guests can’t get anywhere else.

Beans

Just like with beer, it’s best to offer a variety of beans. And let’s face it — basic is boring! Your cookout has the potential to be talked about for weeks or even months to come. Don’t let boring beans ruin it. Your beans should bring a little shock-and-awe. And, if you fear you will be attending a friend’s cookout with only basic beans available, you’d better be prepared to BYOB. Try giving your guests a sampling of the bold bean flavors courtesy of SER!OUS Bean Co, such as Southern Mustard-Q BBQ Beans with your barbecue. Or for something truly unique, cook up some Sweet and a Bit Sassy Dr Pepper Baked Beans, with real Dr Pepper.

Dips

No matter what kinds of chips you’re getting for your cookout, they can be kind of blah without a great dip to go with them. As long as you have a base of sour cream, cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, there’s no limit to what you can add to make an exciting dip. Mixing in your favorite kind of beans with your dip base is a winning combination. Here’s one easy-to-make bean dip that will have all your friends asking for the recipe:

MVBD (Most Valuable Bean Dip) Tex-Mex Edition:

Ingredients

• 1 can Ser!ous Bean Co Buckin’ Buffalo Beans
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• Chopped cilantro, to taste
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced fresh jalapenos, to taste

Instructions

Heat buffalo beans for about 2 minutes in the microwave, then add them to a food processor or blender with the cream cheese. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and top with desired amount of diced tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos. Perfect with tortilla chips for dipping.

Conversation

Be prepared to talk and ready to navigate skillfully around topics like politics and religion (unless your religion is beer or beans). Brush up on current events and pop culture, including new movies, the upcoming football season, love/hate of The Bachelor and upcoming vacation destinations.

Shenanigans

What fun cookout is complete without some hilarious lawn games? When was the last time you bobbed for anything? (Maybe peaches would be easier than apples?) How about a three-legged race, or a refreshing game of water balloon toss? Come up with some ideas for organized games and then provide a few Frisbees, badminton or beanbag toss games so everyone can join the fun.

Check out the SER!OUS Bean Co Facebook page for more ideas and bean giveaways.

2019-07-03T15:01:01

(BPT) – You can smell it in the air: BBQ season is in full swing. To impress your friends and family, you’re going to need to offer up some serious eats because, let’s face it, the food is the true star of any BBQ. But, this summer, don’t overlook one of the key elements to really enjoying the full grilling experience — music.

McCormick asked Pitmaster Myron Mixon and the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff to bring the two together. They remixed an old-school favorite, the classic cheeseburger, and layered it with lots of flavor. Try this Triple Mustard Bacon Cheeseburger, which calls for mustard in the ground beef to add tang, brushed on as a grilling glaze to keep them moist, and spread on the rolls as the perfect topping.

Below are a few helpful tips from Myron and Jazzy Jeff for making your BBQ sing this summer. Visit FindYourSummerHit.com — this season’s go-to grilling resource for seasonings, sauces, grilling essential sets, guides, tips, and of course — more recipes!

• Be patient — Myron points out that flipping meat too early is one of the most common grilling mistakes. The key to the perfect burger is waiting until it’s cooked on one side before turning. The flip should only happen once.
• Give your burger a little poke — Try not to press your patties with the spatula. That sizzle is the sound of all your flavorful juices hitting the grill and drying out. Instead, Myron recommends pressing your thumb into the patties to create a dimple, before throwing them on the grill, for more even cooking.
• Set the mood — Nothing says backyard BBQ like turning up the ultimate playlist. Jeff suggests choosing songs that are nostalgic and make you think about the great summers of the past.

Triple Mustard Bacon Cheeseburger (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

4 slices cheddar cheese

4 slices bacon, crisply cooked

6 tablespoons French’s Classic Yellow Mustard, divided

1 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder

1/4 teaspoon McCormick Black Pepper, ground

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 hamburger rolls

Directions:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of the mustard, garlic powder, pepper and salt in medium bowl. Add ground beef and mix gently until well blended. Shape into 4 patties.

2. Grill over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes. Brush tops with 1 tablespoon of the mustard. Flip burgers and brush with an additional 1 tablespoon of the mustard. Grill 4 to 6 minutes longer or until desired doneness. Add cheese slices to burgers 1 minute before cooking is completed.

3. Spread remaining 2 tablespoons of the mustard on rolls. Serve burgers on rolls. Top with bacon and desired condiments and toppings.

2019-07-03T10:48:18

(BPT) – Everyone has heard, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but why?

According to Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner, there are extensive benefits to starting the day with a nutritious meal.

“The name breakfast means to ‘break the fast’ that happens when you don’t eat overnight,” said Blatner. “Because your mind and body are waking up, you need to give it the right fuel for the day.”

Eating a sizable breakfast, a modest lunch and light dinner can help fuel your body and work positively with your metabolism as well. This is where the saying, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper” comes from.

Blatner said eating a wholesome breakfast packed with nutrients helps you maintain energy and peak brain function, something you need for work and kids need at school. She also noted that the right breakfast works with your natural metabolic process throughout the day, and can have a positive impact on weight.

“Skipping breakfast puts your body in a panic mode, wondering when it will be getting its next meal,” Blatner said. “If you go too long without eating, it can cause you to overeat when you do finally eat, and your body wants to store those excess calories rather than burning them consistently throughout the day. This can also cause peaks and pits with energy levels.”

Eating breakfast is a smart idea for the present, but it also may have a positive health impact in the future, too. A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found there was an increased risk of cardiovascular-related death, especially due to stroke, for those who skipped breakfast.

4 steps to a healthy breakfast

But what exactly should a healthy breakfast include? Blatner offers some ideas:

Whole grains: Feel fuller for longer by eating whole-grain toast, whole-grain cereal or oatmeal.

Lean protein: Eggs are excellent, but not all eggs are equal. Eggland’s Best eggs have 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E, and more than double the amount of vitamin B12. Eggland’s Best’s patented method of production and verification ensures that every Eggland’s Best egg has these superior qualities.

Fruits and vegetables: Fresh produce provides super-charged nutrients and plenty of fiber. Add a handful of berries, sliced avocado or spinach to your breakfast creations.

Low-fat dairy: Get your daily dose of calcium with low-fat yogurt, cheese or milk.

Be inspired by this recipe that can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Make it Monday and have a week’s worth of breakfast ready to go. Pair with fresh fruit or whole-grain toast to feel satisfied and have lasting energy.

Turmeric Oven-Scrambled Eggs

Ingredients:

8-10 Eggland’s Best extra large eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk

1/2 to 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Pinch of black pepper and kosher salt

Pinch of cumin

Small sheet pan 18″ x 26″ with at least 2 inches in height to prevent spillage

Directions:

Whisk eggs, milk, spices. Gently pour on sheet pan.

Place in oven at 375 F for 10-12 minutes. Remove or gently pull out the oven rack, stir eggs on the sheet pan with wooden spatula, then slide back in oven.

Place sheet pan back in oven for about 8–10 minutes or until eggs are scrambled to your liking.

Remove from oven and stir again.

Serve hot with toppings, like peppers and cilantro, or store in airtight container for later.

Alternatively, you can bake the eggs for 15-17 minutes without scrambling and then slice into baked egg squares.

Optional toppings: cheese, avocado, salsa, etc.

2019-07-03T11:02:26

(BPT) – Ever feel like the days just get away from you, and you don’t have time to do the things you need to do, much less want to do? Often wish you could just spend your evenings or weekends on your personal goals, practicing self-care or just relaxing? There are many ways you can take control of your time and take better care of yourself. Sometimes it’s a question of prioritizing what you want to do — and outsourcing the rest.

Simplify meal prep and cooking. Unless cooking is enjoyable and relaxing for you, chances are you get home from work stressed and hungry — and tired of takeout. Fortunately, there are dozens of options for letting yourself off the hook when it comes to cooking from scratch without sacrificing good, healthy meals. Today many plans exist for ordering pre-packaged ingredients and recipes in a manageable form for you to prepare at home, with minimum fuss. Not only are they delicious, but you can find services that cater to particular health plans or your specific dietary needs.

Get help with pet care. Unless you have kids old enough to take care of Fido, or you enjoy taking him for his walks, it’s easy to find pet care services, or even a reliable neighborhood teenager, to help walk the dog or check on the cat, particularly if you work long hours or travel for work. Doggy day care services, boarding and grooming experts also help lift some of the burden of caring for your furry friends.

Outsource house cleaning. While we all wish we had beautifully organized, clean homes, it’s almost impossible to do everything we’d like to keep our houses in great shape. Merry Maids offers a variety of cleaning services that allow you to choose which tasks or rooms you most need help with. Merry Maids home cleaning services are available weekly, every other week, monthly or one-time, so you can pick the service that best suits your lifestyle. On every visit, the team from your local Merry Maids franchise dusts, vacuums, washes and sanitizes each room. Imagine the hours of reclaimed time and peace of mind you’ll have, knowing you’re coming home to a beautifully clean home every night.

Prioritize health and exercise. You try your best to exercise, so why not give yourself the most help you can to meet your wellness goals, and a reward when you achieve them? Hiring a personal trainer or signing up for a class that will inspire you to keep up your fitness level is an investment in yourself that will pay dividends in your future, and make you feel great right now. Whether it’s Zumba, spin class, yoga or Pilates, any activity that helps you build strength, flexibility and fitness is worth the cost. Then be sure to treat yourself with an occasional massage, sauna or spa visit — whatever helps you relax and feel good.

Take a time-out. When you are able, plan your next vacation for a location that will be fun and relaxing. If a long vacation is not in the cards, plan a mini-break, even just for a weekend, to get away from the daily routine and let you focus on yourself, your significant other or your family. Something as simple as spending a night in a local hotel — with as many amenities as you can enjoy — will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. You’ve earned it.

The next time you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, choose to outsource those tasks that can take over your life, and give yourself the best gift — the gift of time.

2019-07-02T23:01:00

(BPT) – You wipe down the counters, clean the floor and run the dishwasher regularly. Your kitchen appears clean on the surface, but there’s probably a lot that could use a refresh. It’s time to pay attention to frequently used but often forgotten items in your kitchen.

Make sure to include these five kitchen items on the next round of cleaning so you get the sparkling kitchen you deserve.

Dishwasher

Why would a machine with the main job of cleaning need cleaning itself? Because food debris and mineral buildup from water can clog important components, causing your dishwasher to work inefficiently. To thoroughly clean your dishwasher, start by removing the filter and cleaning it out. Then fill a dishwasher-safe coffee cup with white vinegar and put it on the top rack and run on the hot cycle to remove soap scum and other buildup. Try to do this monthly for a sparkling clean dishwasher that works great.

Coffeemaker

Cleaning your coffeemaker regularly is an important step for it to work at peak performance and keep beverages tasting their best. Don’t be intimidated by cleaning your coffee machine, particularly if you have a Keurig brewer. It’s surprisingly simple to clean your brewer with this simple three-step routine:

Microwave

Food steams, spurts and splatters in a microwave every day, and even if it appears visually clean, there’s probably a lot of grime on the inside walls. Rather than scrubbing harshly, make it easy to get off the grime with a simple solution: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup water and then slice a lemon in half. Squeeze the lemon in the water and then add the halves. Microwave for 3 minutes and then let sit for 5 so the steam can penetrate the buildup. Finally, open the microwave, remove the bowl and easily wipe away grime with a washcloth.

Under appliances

Just because you don’t look there doesn’t mean the dirt and dust goes away. It’s time to clean appliances, particularly the refrigerator where food, dust and dirt often collect and clog up the coils. Carefully pull appliances out and clean well underneath. Start by vacuuming and then wipe down with soapy water. You should also look at the back of appliances and wipe off to remove dust and other grime. If the appliance has an air vent, make sure to vacuum it well to help it continue to run efficiently.

Kitchen knobs and handles

You make it a habit of wiping down your faucet knobs when you clean the sink, but what about the other knobs in your kitchen? The knobs on the cabinets are sometimes touched hundreds of times in a month by different people, which can transfer germs and bacteria, not to mention grease and other grime on fingertips. Start by wiping all knobs down with disinfectant wipes. For grimy buildup, use hot water with a touch of dish soap and wipe down with a rag to break down grime and leave knobs looking good as new.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and deserves a good clean. Add these five items to your next round of kitchen cleaning and you’ll have a sparkling clean space you can truly enjoy.