It is incredibly important to keep your family healthy. But at the same time, this topic can often get overlooked in the shuffle of a busy day. Many simple, healthy habits apply to all members of the family regardless of age, and setting aside time for these habits will help everyone in the long run.

Here, we explore four easy ways to keep everyone in the family healthy and happy.

Four Simple Health Tips for Every Member of the Family

1. Get A Yearly Physical

Yearly check-ups are common for kids, as many schools and summer camps will require documentation of annual physicals and immunization records. But yearly physicals are not just about taking the kids to the pediatrician—it is an important practice for every family member of any age. Routine health exams are integral for long-term wellness, as they can help catch problems before they begin.

Detecting health issues early on is not only better for your health, but it can also save you money. Additionally, it is the most efficient way to stay up to date on any prescriptions and vaccinations (they are not just for kids!).

Be sure to go for dental check-ups as well.

2. Take Proper Care of Your Teeth

Each family member should make time for dental care daily. Visiting a dentist twice a year for a teeth cleaning will aid with preserving oral health. There are many resources which offer helpful insights about dental care for people of all ages.

For the kids, proper oral hygiene sets them up for fewer dental issues as adults. Make it fun for them by investing in character-themed toothbrushes and letting the kids select dental products that interest them, like toothpaste in their favorite color.

Maintaining a healthy mouth as an adult will help prevent many health concerns for adults, such as gum disease, infections, or oral cancers. Adults in the family can set a good example for the kids by brushing with an electric toothbrush, taking time to floss, and rinsing with mouthwash.

3. Make Smart Food Choices

Planning meals is a fool-proof tip for keeping the whole family healthily fed, even on your busiest days. Many parents find writing down seven-day meal plans before going to the grocery store is helpful. Knowing what you will cook before you shop can save you time in your schedule. Establishing the grocery list in advance can also save the family money, reducing your urge to wander the aisles and make impulse purchases.

For snacking, investing in high-protein snacks like yogurt, nuts, and cheese is wise. To help encourage the kids to snack wisely, keep these healthy options at their eye level in the pantry or refrigerator so that they can grab the snacks themselves. They will enjoy this added element of independence—even if they still need help opening the package.

4. Stay Hydrated

Keeping hydrated is an excellent way to set the family up for wellness. In particular, senior citizens in the family can struggle with dehydration because aging can sometimes result in a reduced perception of thirst. To help older family members stay hydrated, invest in a supply of dishwasher-safe reusable tumblers and bottles to make hydration more accessible. Also, consuming fruits with high water content can be helpful, such as watermelon, strawberries, and cantaloupe.

 In Summary

These family-friendly health efforts exemplify how a little effort can go a long way. Kids, parents, and grandparents can take simple steps toward both short- and long-term wellness, setting everyone up for a healthy and happy future.