You workout – or maybe you don’t. You eat clean – or maybe you don’t. Overall, you think you’re pretty healthy, but are you really?

Here are a few simple things you may have overlooked in keeping yourself and your family healthy.

1. Chemicals in your home, car & work.  If you use chemical cleaners, artificially scented candles, and fabric softeners you increase the risk of your family developing serious illnesses.  In the good old days, soaps and cleaners were made with all natural ingredients.  Now, unfortunately some of the chemicals in regular cleaning products and fabric softeners especially have been put on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Hazardous Waste list.  Chemicals like Ethanol, which can cause flu-like symptoms, and central nervous system disorders; Ethyl Acetate causes headache, nausea and vomiting; and Chloroform, a neurotoxin that causes problems with the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.  Do you really want to snuggle up in sheets that have been washed with chemical solvents that can cause harsh side effects? Chemically scented candles have products like benzene, which is a known carcinogen that can actually cause developmental problems and brain damage.  No thank you! Ditch the chemicals and opt for healthier choices that may cost a little more, or make your own with essential oils.

2. You’re not exercising effectively (or at all). If you’ve ever started an exercise program and lost inches and or weight, then suddenly (and sadly) you couldn’t lose the last few inches or pounds, your body may have adapted to that physical stress. Try something new and exciting! As we age, it’s important to maintain our flexibility and keep our bones strong. If you haven’t been involved in an exercise program — it’s never too late to start.  (Check with your doctor first, of course.)  I recently tried aerial yoga and fell in love – sort of.  It was super fun to fly like Superman only enveloped in the safety of a silk cocoon. It brought back childhood memories of monkey bars and jungle gyms.  It was a challenge to spend so much time upside down, however. I have to remind myself I’m not a kid anymore and take time to get used to this new form of exercise that’s also touted as an anti-aging goldmine! Sign me up! It’s important to challenge your muscles in a different ways to strengthen them and break through plateaus. Try mixing it up: walk, run, lift weights, try Zumba fitness or aerial yoga, if you haven’t already.  You just might like it!

3. You’re not getting proper nutrition. Work with a trusted doctor to get a nutrition program tailored to your specific needs. Food allergies cause minor or major side effects.  Focusing on eating vegetables keeps me healthiest. I also eat lean protein, mostly fish, nuts and grains, but also venison and organic chicken on occasion. I’m on the 80/20 diet.  Eighty percent of what I eat is clean, organic and super healthy. No processed foods and very little sauces and dressings. I eat mostly Gluten-Free. Twenty percent of my diet is, well, not so good. I love homemade chocolate chip cookies and natural potato chips. Find out what works best for you and your family to give you the nutrition that fuels your body best.

I hope this information has at least caused you to question whether or not you are as healthy as you think.  My new book, “4 Minutes a Day, Rock ’n Roll Your Way to Happy”,  will be available November 10 at amazon.com!  It’s full of tips and tricks to help you have a happier and healthier life in just a few minutes a day.

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