Did you know that over the past year, 4.6% of five to 11-year-olds missed 11 or more school days due to illness or injury? That’s a lot of sick days. And while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to good health, there are some basic steps you can take to reduce the risk of disease and improve your family’s overall wellbeing. Here are six ways to keep your family healthy and free of disease.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is important for everyone in the family, but it’s especially important for children. A nutritious diet helps kids grow and develop properly and can also help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and type II diabetes. To ensure your family is eating a healthy diet, fill your pantry and fridge with healthy foods, cook meals together, and eat at the table as a family.
There are many different ways to eat a healthy diet, but some basic tips include eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, choosing lean protein sources like chicken or fish, avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks, and limiting saturated and trans fats.
2. Get Plenty of Exercise
Exercise helps improve heart and lung health, strengthens bones and muscles, helps control weight, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. And, it’s not just adults who need to exercise; kids need to get active, too. There are plenty of ways to get the whole family moving. Take a family walk or bike ride, play tag in the backyard, or go for a swim.
Remember, according to Disabled World, approximately 650 million people in the world have a disability, accounting for roughly 10% of the global population. It is therefore important to find ways for everyone in the family to get exercise, regardless of any physical limitations. This way, everyone can reap the benefits of being active.
3. Go for Regular Checkups
Regular checkups are important for everyone in the family. These appointments allow your doctor to screen for potential health problems and catch any serious illnesses early on. They’re also an opportunity to get vaccinations, which can help protect you from diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and meningitis.
During these visits, your doctor will check your vital signs, weight, and height. They will also ask about your medical history and any current symptoms you may be experiencing. Be sure to speak up if you have any concerns or questions. You should also ask about areas of concern specific to your family, such as your child’s development or your risk for certain diseases.
4. Get Plenty of Sleep
One of the best ways to keep your family healthy is to ensure everyone gets enough sleep. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, although some may need more or less. Getting enough sleep helps improve mood, cognitive function, and overall physical health. If you have trouble sleeping, you can try a few things, such as avoiding caffeine before bed and establishing a regular sleep schedule.
You should also create a sleep-friendly environment in your home, such as darkening the bedroom and eliminating noise. If you have young children, ensure their bedroom is quiet and peaceful so they can get a good night’s sleep.
5. Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is important for preventing the spread of illness and disease. Some basic tips include washing your hands regularly, especially before meals and after using the restroom, brushing your teeth twice a day, and showering or bathing daily. It’s also important to clean surfaces in your home that are commonly used, such as door handles, countertops, and light switches. If you have children, help them practice good hygiene habits from an early age.
6. Take the Necessary Supplements
Supplements not only help improve overall health, but they can also help prevent specific diseases. For example, research has shown that taking banana powder can reduce the risk of kidney diseases by 50%. Other important supplements for family health include omega-three fatty acids, vitamin D, and probiotics.
You can find these supplements at most health food stores or online. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Following these simple tips can help keep your family healthy and free of disease. Just remember to focus on both physical and mental health, and create a healthy environment in your home that everyone can enjoy. With a little effort, you can have a happy and healthy family.