One of the last things that is ever wanted in a family is illness. There are hundreds, if not thousands of colds, viruses and infections that can be contracted from the spread of germs and bacteria. That's not saying anything about life-threatening illnesses that can also take place due to living an unhealthy lifestyle. You have the ability to prevent many of these unwanted circumstances before they start.
Step 1
Do not smoke. Smoking is one of the worst habits to take up when it comes to the body's health. It is a major risk factor for lung cancer, it increases blood pressure and it is also not very cost effective. To make matters worse, it can also hurt the lungs of your family even if they do not smoke themselves. According to the American Heart Association, "an estimated 35,052 non-smokers die from coronary heart disease each year as a result of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke." If you currently smoke, quit, and if you do not smoke, then don't start.
Step 2
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and avoid contact with people who are sick and contagious. If you are sick, do everything you can to prevent your family from getting sick. Cover your mouth when you cough, cover your nose when you sneeze and do not use the same towels as your family.
Step 3
Ensure food is cooked well. Food that is uncooked, especially poultry, can develop bacteria and pathogens. When consumed, food poisoning can appear which can lead to violent attacks of vomiting and diarrhea. Cook meats well and also do not let salads made with mayonnaise sit out for long periods of time, as they can also grow bacteria.
Step 4
Practice what you preach. If you have children or young adults, do not do anything in front of them that you do not want them to do. They are very impressionable and if they see you chewing tobacco, then they will think it's OK to do the same. According to the American Cancer Society, "all forms of oral tobacco contain chemicals known to cause cancer." If you chew, quit, or at least do it out of the sight of your kids.
Step 5
Avoid foods that are high in fats and simple sugars. Consistently eating these kinds of foods can weaken immunity and promote being overweight and obese. Keep your family's diet high in nutrient dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy and whole grains.
Step 6
Get adequate sleep. Sleep is important for the body to rebuild, revitalize and heal. If you do not get adequate sleep you will not be able to function properly during the day and your immunity can also be compromised. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, children 5- to 12-years-old get 9 to 11 hours, children ages 3 to 5 get 11 to 13 hours, and infants get 14 to 18 hours.
