The phrase "don't let the bedbugs bite" is reality for many people. One way to help curtail the risk of bedbugs at home is to add mattress cleaning to your monthly checklist of household tasks. To clean your bed, simply strip it to the bare mattress and generously sprinkle baking powder and kosher salt on top. The baking powder will deodorize the mattress, and the salt will dehydrate any bugs or bedbug eggs that may be lurking in corners. Then vacuum, making sure to pay special attention to crevices and tufted areas where bugs may be lurking.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ginger root is fast becoming a kitchen staple for its healthy digestive properties, and it's a delicious addition in all types of cooking. If you find yourself with a leftover chunk of ginger root, don't toss it in the trash; instead, grow a ginger plant from it. Fill a small pot with organic potting mix and place the ginger root in the soil, then water. In a few days, you'll see new growth coming out of the soil, and in a few weeks, you'll have a regenerated ginger root that you can harvest and use right away. You may never have to purchase ginger root again! Just keep replanting and grow your own.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Since most of us don't travel with a water testing kit, there are signs you can look for that will tell you if the H20 from the tap is more like H2-NO. The obvious one is odor. A rotten egg or sulfuric smell can mean there's bacteria in the water. Metallic-tasting water can mean there are metals present, such as mercury, copper, lead and even arsenic. And while the taste of chlorine may be unpleasant, it could be a sign the water has actually been disinfected for safety. When in doubt, don't drink it. Look for refill stations that use commercial filters, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION