Does it feel like everyone in your house has been getting sick lately or has had a particularly bad allergy season this year? There are many possible reasons that may be happening. A common one is that a child has entered a day care program or has started school, bringing home new germs that infect the entire family. Allergies can also impact the entire family. You could add “While some allergy medication like Nasonex is effective for some, there are other ways to combat allergens. Here are some practical suggestions that can help your family ward off illness.
Load up on Healthy Snacks
Your body can’t ward off germs without a healthy immune system. Stock your kitchen with immunity-boosting foods like citrus fruit, almonds, and yogurt to help build strong bodies for every member of your family. You may also be able to support a healthy immune system by incorporating herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, basil, cinnamon, and turmeric into your cooking. Teach your kids to layer sliced fruit, yogurt, almonds, and cinnamon in a parfait glass for a delicious, immune-boosting snack.
Protect Against Allergens
Allergens can be brought home through a variety of means. Personal contact, airborne dust, tracking things in on shoes, or even pet dander are common ways for new allergens to enter your home. Vacuuming once or twice a week using an HEPA-filter vacuum will remove a lot of pet dander and pollen from your home. Make sure you change your HVAC filters often and consider getting your ducts cleaned as well.
Build A Healthy Lifestyle
Of course, you’re already aware that your family needs exercise, a little sunshine, healthy foods, and a good night’s sleep every day in order to stay strong and healthy. Part of a parent’s job is to continually bring the family’s health habits back on track. Find fun ways to be active together, whether it’s throwing a ball in the front yard or going for a long hike or bike ride together on weekends. Set aside a certain time of day, or day of the week, to be “screen-free,” with no television, video games, laptops, or tablets. Offer healthy meals and don’t keep junk food in the house.
Kill Germs Naturally
When your family has been battling illness, it’s easy to be tempted by antibacterial soaps and products. But in the long run, those chemicals are creating superbugs and making us all sicker. Soap and water are all that’s necessary to remove bacteria from surfaces. Teach your kids to wash their hands for 20 seconds by singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while they soap up. Launder your family’s bedding often to remove germs, and wipe down surfaces that get touched often, like the remote control and light switches, to prevent the spread of germs.
Ridding your home of allergens and bacteria that can make your family sick and building their immune systems through good health is a simple, inexpensive approach that will pay big dividends. Not only will your family experience less illness, but your home will be clean and glowing and your family will be healthy and vibrant.
