This little gadget is an essential germ fighting tool – especially during this cold and flu season. Think about this, you brush your teeth morning, noon (ok, not all of you do the noontime brushing) and night. After your toothbrush has done its job cleaning your teeth, you just rinse it off and place it back into its holder. So what happens to the germs left behind on the brush? Nothing – unless you have the

You need to get rid of any contagious germs on your toothbrush before you stick it in your mouth again! With this product you do not even have to think about taking steps to manually sanitize your toothbrush. Just place the toothbrush in the holder brush down, and press the sanitizing button (“brush down” is another great feature that protects your toothbrush from exposure to bathroom germs). When it has finished in approximately 10 minutes, the Violight automatically shuts off.

Violight uses a germicidal ultraviolet light to kill 99% of the bacteria, spores and viruses lingering on your toothbrush after use. It will hold up to four toothbrushes of all sizes (even child-size toothbrushes) and electric toothbrushes. Easy to clean, all you have to do is rinse the removable drip cup weekly. It has a 6 foot long cord, making it very easy to power away from water.

There is also the unit for travelers, or for anyone who just needs to keep one toothbrush sanitized, such as a college student, that is also great for preventing the brush from coming in contact with unsanitary surfaces. The travel sized sanitizer automatically shuts off after sanitizing and runs on just two AA batteries.

Ok, the kids are back in school. Give it a week or two and the viruses will return also. You know them all too well….ear infections, colds, sore throat, stomach virus, pink eye, the works! How can they protect themselves from these common afflictions? While it may be impossible to avoid all together, some plain old common sense can help immensely.

Washing hands with warm water and soap thoroughly is a big step in the right direction (remind them to sing their ABC’s or Happy Birthday while lathering – for proper timing).

Eating properly, taking vitamin supplements and getting enough sleep (adjust bedtime hours) will also help to promote a strong immune system.

If for some reason illness strikes – stay home if there is a fever present (even low grade) to risk spreading the virus! If antibiotics are prescribed, stay home until 24 hours have passed after starting the medication.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most overlooked, but important points that many parents ignore when it comes to their children and themselves! They send their kids to school sick because they have to work and they report to work themselves when they are sick – making everyone else around them (or their kids) sick. Inconsiderate? Yes. My #1 Pet peeve? Yes! Yes! Yes! It should be a firing offense!

If you get sick, stay home and get well.