Helping Husband to Stay Healthy...

Updated on April 15, 2010
M.O. asks from Barrington, IL
12 answers

Does anyone have suggestions on how to help my husband stay healthy?

He's got a very stressful job right now and for the first time ever he seems to really be getting sick a lot. I know that stress weakens your immune system. I bought (and take) extra vitamins/supplements and have thankfully stayed very healthy this year. However, I can't get him to take them. It's hard to watch him struggle with feeling sick, getting really sick, etc. But he just doesn't seem to do anything to help himself.

He's great about watching his hands when he gets home, and helping to keep the kids healthy all winter long. However by not protecting HIMSELF he still brings these germs home. Thankfully none of us have seemed to have gotten HIS illnesses, but I am struggling with keeping HIM healthy and boosting his immune system.

Other than buying more OJ and sending him to work with Clorox wipes to clean his desk, phone, keyboard, etc. I don't know what else I can do.

Ideas?

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

Sometimes its about how the goal is presented. Here's something you might consider.
The subconscious mind is not aware of negatives: not, don't,. So If you are offering the supplements as a way to NOT get sick the mind hears 'get sick' so he automatically rejects them. He may think he 'just forgot'.
What if you have a conversation about how you heard/read that for example, omega 3 supplements or probiotics improve sexual performance?

More Answers

J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

My husband likes the EmergenC packets. They're in the vitamins section of the grocery store. Each packet contains like 1000 milligrams of VItamin C - I think it's something like 600% of your vitamin C. When we feel a sore throat coming on, my hubby and I will drink maybe 4 or 5 packets in one day (making one drink with two packets). There are lots of flavors. I like the tangerine. Husband likes the Cranberry. www.emergenc.com -- you can get a few free samples, plus a coupon for a new box. Click on the top right-hand corner "free samples."

You may need to go to the office and Clorox stuff for him. He may not do that on his own. Mythbusters said that the dirtiest things around that we touch every day are: the kitchen sponge, money, keyboard, cell phone (I think that was on the show?), and the tv remote.

Releiving the stress would be the greatest help though. Make sure when he gets home from work he doesn't have to think too much. Use the crock-pot so noone really has to the cooking. Tell the kids to allow dad to have some relaxation time before wanting to wrestle with him. Maybe he could go to bed earlier and give his body some extra sleep.

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Unfortunately, there's really no evidence that taking extra vitamin C will help prevent getting a cold or other infections - not that I'm advising against vitamins, but just that medical research doesn't show a definitive cause/effect relationship.

Different people have different immune systems. Why has our 2 year old daughter had 10 ear infections, and our almost 4 year-old son had 1 in his life? Different biologies despite being in almost exactly the same environment (different classes at day care) and the same parents.

When I was going through chemo, I basically had NO immune system and worked in pharmaceutical sales going in and out of doctor's offices all day, every day. When I asked the Oncologist if I needed to take a medical leave to protect myself (infection could have seriously killed me), they said to be more diligent about washing my hands and using hand sanitizer. I had 2 kids in day care bringing all kinds of things home and was lucky to avoid infection.

I'm sure a physician, nurse, pharmacist would give the same advice. Products that claim to boost immunity have been investigated by the FDA/Federal Trade Commission lately as false and misleading.

Hopefully, the worst of it has passed, and he'll be better soon.

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J.P.

answers from Boise on

hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE - one for the car, one for the desk, etc. I'm not sure how you can force him to take vitamins, but maybe by some Zicam for when he does get sick?

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L.F.

answers from Chicago on

Are you sure he's not depressed? People who are depressed are more susceptible to illness and other ailments. I wouldn't be so concerned about his handwashing or the fact that he brings home germs. They are everywhere and there is no point in avoiding common germs.

Is he stuck in an office all day? If so, maybe he can find 15 minutes a day to take a walk outside. Or maybe he can eat his lunch outside. The vitamin D should help to boost his immune system.

Now that spring is here, maybe his health will improve. Good luck to you!

N.R.

answers from Boston on

Hi there.
Try OPC3. It is an amazing product. It keeps me healthy. If I forget to take it and feel a cold or something coming on I just take a few shots and the cold or whatever is gone. LOVE IT!.
Here's an infomercial so you can learn more.
Hope it helps.
http://www.marketamerica.com/nicoleryan/index.cfm?action=...

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A.T.

answers from Chicago on

Drinking lots of fluids in a day will boost his energy.that includes water,all kind of soups.

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i like emergen-C although i agree the data do not fully support the notion that it actually boosts the immune system. through purely anecdotal evidence it seems to me that those who take C (and echinacea briefly if a bug starts) have greatly enhanced immune systems.
but the two single greatest things that anyone can do to stay healthy are a) eat a diet that is composed of healthy, mostly living, vital food and b) sleep. packaged, processed, overcooked foods are SO prevalent in this country and so non-nutritious. you can't replace living enzymes and vitamins with supplements. it's amazing that we live as long as we do. and an upsetting percentile of working adults are sleep-deprived. start tweaking these two basics and build from there. the whole family will benefit.
khairete
S.

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

We have been taking an amazing LIQUID vitamin/mineral suppliment that is low cost (about $1) per day and has made a huge difference in our health. Check out this website and take the tour! http://www.shopGBG.com/fheck

Good luck to you!

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A.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

hi there
one of the best ways you can help your immune system is by keeping properly hydrated. NOT with juice or other non water drinks but by drinking PURE WATER.. yes... when you properly hydrate , your body can more readily do its job which is to keep you alive and well.... Look at water as the gasoline of the water... no gasoline, no running efficiently.. or better yet.. look at the type of gasoline you give your body... artificial drinks, too much fructose laden drinks.. caffeine... etc... then look at water.. the PREMIUM drink..
you get the gist... :) try added more water to his diet and watch how his energy level might go up a bit... also.. ones urine should run clear, you never want it too yellow (I know too much info) :) but it's true.... again, to use the analogy of car since guys seem to like cars.. well some :) but if you don't do an oil change.. what do you get..... a sluggish running car with dirty oil... well urine should be clean looking... and if it isn't, your body isn't being kept hydrated..

best to you and your family..

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J.B.

answers from Dallas on

There are so many vitamins out there that you buy and think are good for you but really do nothing much. Most vitamins have a low absorption rate which manufacturers are not required to tell you. I switched last year to Vitality by Melaleuca and I am sold. The vitamins use a special binding agent which increases the absorption rate and in many cases 10x what you would regularly buy. It has made a huge difference with me and my husband as to our energy levels, sleep and overall health.

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Probiotics are huge in boosting everyone’s immune systems. You can look for foods that are high in probiotics, like yogurt, but I suggest taking supplemental probiotics. I have found that the Florify brand of probiotics is great and VERY affordable.
We combine probiotics with our multi-vitamins and regular chiropractic care to stay healthy. I totally believe that the mind, body, and spirit are all connected and chiropractic adjustments help with physical and mental limitations.

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