In this age where most parents have to work long hours to make ends meet, and have to live paycheck to paycheck, raising a family isn’t easy. With this in mind, here are a few simple things you can do to help ensure your family’s health in 2020. 

1. Make Sure Your Family Washes Their Hands!

Washing your hands is the most basic thing you can do to keep unwanted germs from entering your system and making you sick. Skip the harsh antibacterials 24/7; save the antibacterials for work. Simple hand soap will do the trick. 

2. Be Sure Your Family Eats Healthier Foods More Regularly.

Fast food is convenient and tastes great. However, it is not a replacement for a nutritional meal. Get more of the fresh fruits and vegetables on your family’s plates and cut back on the processed foods. Your stomach will thank you. 

3. See That Your Whole Family Gets Yearly Checkups.

Even if nothing is wrong, yearly check-ups are essential for all members of the family. Many illnesses can be thwarted before they begin during a yearly checkup. 

4. Schedule Playtime.

Exercise is essential for cardio health. Increase the time you spend chasing the kids around. It will help your heart!

5. Treat Your Family to *Occasional* Snack Foods.

Deprivation only makes the want of the denied items stronger. Allow junk or snack foods occasionally. Everyone deserves a well-balanced treat!

6. Make Sure Everyone Gets Yearly Flu Vaccines.

Controversial, yes. However, vaccines can help prevent many diseases from entering your immune system. From measles to flu and chickenpox, these injections protect us. 

7. Stay at Home When You’re Sick.

It’s a no-brainer, but difficult to follow through. Stay at home when you are sick. Passing it on to another family isn’t a good option. Losing money and time at work hurts, but your work suffers as much as you do. 

8. Take Time Off Together.

Take the time to just be a family, whether it be vacation time, a weekend outing, or a holiday adventure. Just be with each other. It will increase your happiness and decrease stress. 

9. Increase Outside Activities.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Increasing the amount of outside playtime increases vitamin D in your system. This can lead to stronger bones, not to mention better mud pies. 

10. Get More Sleep and Stay on a Regular Sleep Schedule.

Balance is the key. Your body rejuvenates itself while you sleep. Lack of sleep can cause major issues for both kids and adults. Hit the pillow early and wake up prepared for your day. 

You may already be doing some of these tasks at home. Incorporating others will help ensure your 2020 goes smoothly. Health is important to maintain for both you and your family. Follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog for more ways you can have a better 2020.