Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy

We all know sickness is a part of growing up, but there are ways to keep those ailments to a minimum.

Encourage hand washing.

This may seem like a given, but doctors do emphasize washing your hands as the number one deterrent to sickness and the spread of germs: before meals, after using the restroom, after touching or playing with pets or animals and, of course, after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Also, some research has shown that although antibacterial soaps and chemical cleaners kill bacteria, they also can destroy some of the good bacteria that help keep us healthy. Simple soap and water are plenty fine for hand washing, and try gentle cleaners, including vinegar and water, for household cleanup.

Keep vaccinations and vision and hearing appointments current.

Making and keeping routine checkups, including dental and eye exams, helps identify ways to stay healthy, provides the opportunity to receive preventive services and can help detect health problems early, when chances for treatment are better. Vaccinations help prevent many diseases and save lives. Keep track of your and your family’s checkups and vaccinations to make sure they stay current. Use stickers on the calendar and make these appointments an adventure. Try making a back-to-school ritual of getting everybody’s flu shots—you all can roll up your sleeves together!

Offer healthy meals and snacks. 

Research has shown that a healthy diet is truly the foundation of good health. Offering plenty of fruits and veggies and limiting added sugar are simple steps. Eating an unhealthy diet causes inflammation in the body, which stresses the immune system. Remember, you don’t necessarily have to ban all junk food. When foods are forbidden, children will end up craving the forbidden fruit, and this can set them up for eating problems later than life. Don’t label foods good or bad, just use in moderation. For example, when you fix a veggie platter with Ranch dip, add kids’ favorite chips too! Allowing the occasional junk food with meals and at snack times is almost like inoculating kids. Those foods lose their mystique, and your little ones learn to manage them as just another food.

Involvement is another twist to try. When you visit the grocery store, have your kids pick out colors they like, for example, tell them to grab everything red. They’ll end up with things like apples, tomatoes, strawberries and red peppers. A hunt for green can yield celery, lettuce and cabbage. Then have the kids help prepare the finds.

Give a daily probiotic.

These live bacteria and yeasts are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They're often called good or helpful bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Recent research suggests a link between probiotics and the immune system.  Try those gummy probiotics every day. They also can boost the body when given at the beginning of any symptoms kids show.

Play and exercise.

The fact has been proven that children don’t exercise like they used to, thanks to all the video games and cell phones at their disposal. This is a major cause of childhood obesity and illness. Pediatricians recommend old-fashioned play, which means tech-free time. Shoo your kiddos outside at least once a day when weather permits. Or join a family fitness center and swim together, play basketball and try a fitness class.  

Keep them home when they're sick. 

When a fever or cold comes on, taking it easy for a few days greatly boosts your son’s or daughter’s chances of a quicker recovery. Plenty of rest, fluids and TLC can do the trick.

A child who continues to go to day care or school could catch a secondary infection or even spread the virus to other children.

Stay mentally healthy.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has noted that poor emotional health can actually weaken the immune system, which leaves children more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. Don’t instantly say, “It will be ok,” or “Don’t worry.” Instead, let your child talk while you listen. Never make fun of even the smallest problem. Instead, say something like, “That sounds like it was really hard,” or “I’m sorry you’re going through this.” Whatever your child’s age, stay in tune with him. If you notice him sleeping more, picking at his food or having trouble sleeping, schedule me-time together. Sometimes, all kids need is to be told they are loved, they are smart and they can handle anything. Give them a “superhero” mentality!

Live a smoke-free life.

Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are harmful to you and your family. Be smoke-free during pregnancy to help prevent premature birth and other health problems. Stay smoke-free to help lower your children’s risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), bronchitis, more severe asthma, ear problems and pneumonia. You can help protect your children by making your home and vehicles smoke-free too. Quitting smoking is the single best way to protect your family.

Make sleep a priority. 

The importance of sleep to your children is high. Sleep helps their bodies restore and repair themselves. When they are sleep-deprived, they are, in fact more susceptible to germs and viruses. As a parent, you can model good sleep habits. Everyone should start to wind down at a certain time. Set a timer for when you should turn off cell phones, computers and other devices. When my children were young, I did not allow a TV in their room. They are both grown now and have told me they appreciate it. They didn’t like it then, but they understand now why their mom did it!

Your responsibility to your children begins the second they are born. As their parent, you know them the best. Their smiles, their hobbies, their favorite things to do and their hearts. Keeping them healthy has been your priority their entire lives, whatever their age. Together, you can make sure they are physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. These are some tips to simply take in stride and tailor to your own family’s needs.

An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit and enjoys all seasons, especially summer. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Sources: Parents.com, CDC.gov, HealthyChildren.org.