Do you ever wonder why you are always getting sick, especially when your kids are actively participating in school and sport activities? You can blame it on those germy little hands that bring everything home that they come in contact with. While that is certainly a factor, it might not be the only reason. Here are 5 reasons parents get sick more often.
Reasons Parents Get Sick
Here are some reasons why you could be getting sick more often than non-parents and more often than your own children.
Children do Spread Germs
Many children spend their days in environments with plenty of germs that are everywhere, including surfaces and other kids. Children don’t always know to wash their hands after using the bathroom or before eating lunch.
You may think that kids who are home-schooled might be less susceptible to getting sick. In fact, while kids in schools and day care are exposed to viruses and bacterial infections, they often develop immunity to the illnesses that they have been exposed to. Home-schooled kids are pretty vulnerable to germs when in public environments.
The bottom line is that children do bring sickness home and can pass that along to you.
Parents are often Tired and Run Down
Parents are much more likely to pick up germs from their children simply because they are sleep deprived. They also come into extremely close contact with their kids. This intense exposure to kids’ germs is compounded by the fact that parents, especially those of babies and toddlers, are often exhausted.
Parents who don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk of getting sick after coming into contact with viruses or bacteria.
Poor Nutrition
We all know that kids are picky eaters and getting them to eat fruits and vegetables can be a struggle. Preparing quick meals from processed foods is to get your kids to eat is tempting. But, you do not have to eat the same foods that your stubborn child eats.
If you don’t eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet your body can’t function at its best to ward off a cold or flu. Good nutrition is about getting the proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs. This includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limiting sugar is necessary.
You also need to hydrate often with clean, filtered water.
Too Much Stress
Stress is a normal part of life. However, chronic stress can take its toll on your body. It can impair or lower your body’s natural immunity and can make you sick. Stress can also delay healing and increase the severity of infections.
To help alleviate some of that stress consider exercising more, reducing work load, unplugging from your technology, and making time for relaxation.
After having a baby, some moms also develop sleep disorders. Mothers can suffer from a sleep-related breathing disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy using a sleep aid device helps manage this condition, contributing to better sleep quality in sleep apnea patients. Parents should consult their health-care provider immediately for persistent sleep problems before it affects their health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Neglecting Basic Hygiene
Your are likely touching germy kids and surfaces throughout the day. When you don’t wash your hands regularly, you can spread illness when you then touch your food, lips, and face. This is especially true for gastrointestinal infections. It is easy to re-infect yourself. Simply wahing your hands with hot running water and soap for at least 20 seconds can help you stay healthier.
When you are sick, disinfecting bathroom fixtures, babies’ changing tables, countertops, door handles, light switches, and electronics with wipes can help prevent the spread of the illness.
Also important is covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
