Keeping our families as healthy as we can is ourresponsibility. The Lord has blessed us with amazing provisions to use in supporting our body’s attempts to stay healthy. (We have access to clean water in this country, for starters…) Here are some thoughts regarding how to keep your family well, using the methods I’ve used for at least a dozen years.

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* sleep. Get plenty of rest! I know it’s difficult to be a mom with a newborn or a special needs child who is up at all hours of the night. Steal those naps as needed, and make sure your babies of all ages are getting plenty of down time, too. Give thought to the bedding as well. A third of your life is spent sleeping; make your mattress, pillows, and bedding as natural as possible to avoid breathing in chemical fumes that are toxic. As an aside, this very day I spoke to a mother who was able to get her son’s asthma under control by replacing his pillow and by using a nonallergenic mattress cover.

* food. Can you imagine growing, harvesting, hunting or fishing it? Eat as cleanly as possible. Cook from scratch using organic, home or locally grown produce and meat. Avoid GMO’s and preservatives, MSG and other toxic chemicals that literally damages your health. Our family motto: “It’s cheaper than cancer.” Do your research and be wise about food your family eats.

* water. Drink more of it, and make sure it’s as pure as possible. Invest in a quality water filter if needed. Avoid plastic water bottles! Forget the soda pop; it sucks the calcium from your bones and is full of empty calories and chemical-sugary goop.

* play outside. It’s good for the kids gross motor skills, their eyes, and their lungs. And yours, too.

* mind your mind. Would the book you’re reading or the TV show your kids are watching pass this test?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

* warmth. Keep a watch on how well dressed the children are. Socks, hats, sweaters, etc. Stay away from synthetic or polyester fibers that don’t breathe and allow persperation to evaporate, especially in sleepware.

* house cleaning. Yes, dust! And mop, and clean the toilets and vacuum… And do clean out your home vents if you have them on a regular basis. If your house is old, test for mold.

* fresh air. Let the clean breeze in through the windows as much as you can to push out the stagnant unhealthy air.

* sunshine. Morning sun is best, but if you’re lacking in sunshine (like we have been), consider supplementing with extra vitamin D.

*preventative medical care. Choose your health care practioners to be on your health-building team. Our family uses chiropractic, dentistry and naturpathic doctors in our preventative schedule. We’ve interviewed and visited with a medical doctor also, in case someone breaks an arm. Some of my husband’s websites are AnchorChiropractic.net (lots of articles and resources there!) and SpinalColumnRadio.com (for my podcasting friends). Make sure your doctors respect YOU and the choices you and your husband have made for your family’s health needs. If anyone’s treating you like a dummy, it’s time to find someone else.

* limit exposure to toxins. Filter the chlorine from the tap water, for starters. Here is just one article on the effects of bathing in chlorinated water. Pay attention to the cleaning products in your home, especially if your children are expected to use them.

* supplements. We like to use products from Beeyoutiful, but there are certainly many, many good quality companies around. My children regularly get a multivitamin, cod liver oil, and extra vitamin C.

* preparations. Do your homework and be prepared for the next fever or vomiting attack! Have a plan and get your supplies in order so that you will be more confident about treating your family when they are ill.

* love. If you do all these things, and have not love, then true health is even further away.

God bless you as you labor to keep your family in full health!