Tips to Stay Healthy and Avoid Sickness All Year Long

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– It can be hard to remain your healthiest all year round, especially if you are in a profession consistently exposed to sickness. Although cases of the cold and flu start to rise in the fall and winter season, there's still a chance that you might catch something any other time of the year. That's why it's best to take the necessary precautions ahead of time to combat any illnesses that might come your way. No one wants to be bedridden, so we've put together a list of tips to stay healthy and avoid sickness all year long.

1. Wash Your Hands & Pay Attention to What You Touch
It's a simple task to wash your hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day. Along with this, if you're touching "high-traffic" items such as the drinking fountain at work, the bathroom door handle, or someone else's keyboard, you'll want to avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes as these areas are gateways to your immune system.

2. Eat Healthy!
It's fine to indulge in a burger or some decadent dessert here and there, but it's more beneficial to eat foods that will benefit your immune system regularly! Eating healthy doesn't mean you need to eat a salad at every meal, but it's a good idea to aim to eat less processed foods. Make some soup recipes if you're feeling down. Broth and veggies together can help comfort a sore throat or aching stomach and are healthy, too!

3. Consume More H2O
Although simple, this health tip is used often for many reasons. Water not only keeps you hydrated should you already be sick and need to replace fluids in your body, but it also helps you flush some of the bad stuff out if you're harboring any flu germs. The recommendation is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water!

4. Keep Your Surroundings Clean
Sanitizing the areas around you, such as your workspace, is a simple way to maintain a healthy environment. Germs spread very easily, increasing your chances of getting sick. Using virus and germ killing soaps to keep your surroundings clean will stop the spread of any cold and flu bugs, ultimately helping you lead a healthier lifestyle.

5. Get Active
Exercise is another factor that can help boost your immune system. It can be a simple walk outside or an extra sweaty cardio session at the gym. Whatever method you choose, make sure you're getting your heart rate up and are breathing heavier than normal. Cardiovascular exercise can help excavate bacteria out of your lungs and airways.

6. Stay Home
Even if you're a person who's overwhelmed at work and think staying home will only hurt your schedule, don't go in if you have the flu! If you feel like you're getting sick, or are already sick, take caution and protect others around you. There's no sense in you exhausting your energy or spreading your illness onto others. Take time to rest at home with some water, vitamins, and sleep.

7. Get More Sleep

This may be a simple health rule but getting extra sleep when your immune system is compromised is crucial. Make sure you're getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. It may also be a good idea to take some cold medicine before you lay down to ensure your body is fighting the sickness while you sleep. Getting more rest allows your body to fight off any flu germs and revive itself so you can do what you need to the next day. 

We hope these tips to stay healthy and avoid sickness all year long will keep you out of bed and enjoying each and every day at your best! Getting into a rhythm is a great way to incorporate these activities into your daily routine. You'll be thankful you did! Taking care of your car is just as important as taking care of yourself. It's our goal to help you get your vehicle ready to hit the road. We're here to take care of any routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, as well as much bigger service tasks. For your convenience, we've added a feature for you to schedule your service appointment online. Give us a call is you have any questions! It's time to keep you and your vehicle healthy all year long.

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Safe During Winter

WESTLAND, Mich. –– It is undeniably winter in Southeast Michigan, even though it's felt more like spring at moments. Although the weather is quite mild now, the snow, wind, and bitter cold air are bound to make a return, because this is indeed the state of Michigan (Thrillist's #2 most miserable winter state). As hard as it is for us to endure this miserable weather, the same goes for our pets! They may love to play in the snow and cold, but it's your responsibility to ultimately care for them and keep them safe. Take a look at our tips for keeping your dog healthy and safe during the winter.

• Avoid Bathing Them if Possible: If your stinky pup can get away without a bath for a while, let them! Just like us, pets will get dry, flaky skin because of the cold dry air which can be irritating and itchy. If you do need to bathe them, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Also, running a humidifier inside your home will help you and your pets with dry skin. 
• Give Them Chances to Exercise: If the temperature outside is mild, this is a great time to get them outdoors for some exercise. Whether it's a simple walk around the neighborhood, or a trip to the nearest outdoor mall for some new and exciting smells and socialization, any exercise is great for your doggo. This can also help bored pups expend their energy in a useful way, rather than tearing up the couch or your shoes.
• Understand When It's Just Too Cold: If it's too cold outside for you, it's too cold for your pets. Your pets are happiest and the safest inside on unbearably cold days. See our tips below for entertaining them when it's an 'indoor day'. It's also a good idea to provide a warm blanket and pillow or bedding so they can keep warm during their downtime. 
• Provide Fun Indoor Activities: When the weather is nasty outside, or too cold your dog still needs entertainment and activity. Some dogs are great at grabbing a toy and entertaining themselves, while others will beg for your attention. Know your dogs play-style and personality and make an effort to provide them with fun puzzle games, play time with you, and mini training sessions to keep them occupied and interested. 
• Protect Paws Before and After Going Outside: Pets going outdoors, even if it is a short walk, can be affected by the salt and ice on their paws. Using petroleum jelly or another type of pet-safe moisturizer will help protect their pads before going out. It's also a good idea to wipe paw pads with a damp towel to rid them of salt that can dry them out and irritate the pets mouth if they lick them. Pay attention to in-between the toes and remove any snow clumps or salt. 

We love our pets like family, so we treat them like family. Make sure to follow our tips for keeping you dog healthy and safe during winter! If you're looking for a new addition to the family, check out our furry friends at P.O.E.T. Animal Rescue where you can adopt a loving pupper that's perfect for you or your family. If you're in search of a vehicle that better fits you a your dog's lifestyle, stop by North Brothers Ford! We'd be happy to help you find a great crossover/SUV that can easily fit you and the fur-baby (or babies), like the 2018 Ford Escape or 2017 Ford Explorer!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbrothersford.net

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+

Healthy Thanksgiving Side & Dessert Dishes to Try This Year

WESTLAND, Mich.,––The holidays are right around the corner, and you know what that means: junk food galore! From pies to mashed potatoes and gravy, your favorite home cooked delights aren't always the best for your body. It's great to indulge every now and then, but you can avoid the stomach aches and the need for a big nap after Thanksgiving dinner with a few healthy swaps. Here are a few of our favorite healthy Thanksgiving side & dessert dishes to try this year:

1. Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta

This dish screams "fall" in a delicious sweet and savory way. 

2. Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan and Chives

Pro-Tip: make this recipe a happy compromise with half potatoes & half cauliflower.

3. Cheesy Spinach Balls

These little green-filled guys can be used as an appetizer or a side dish.

4. Green Bean Mushroom Saute 

You can appease to picky eaters by doing half of this dish with mushrooms and half without.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts

This dish is full of good fiber! Feel free to get creative with the herbs and spices you use. 

6. Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

You can't beat a healthier version of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one easy dish! 

7. Healthy Apple Crisp 

Pro-Tip: Skip the regular vanilla ice cream and try Halo Top or another ice cream alternative.

8. Vanilla Orange Candied Cranberries

These little bites are full of sophisticated flavor that feels like you're eating candy.

9. Gluten Free No-Bake Salted Caramel Pumpkin Bars

The name is a mouthful, but this is a great option for those who don't do gluten!

10. Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

Most of us choose to do an apple or pumpkin based dessert, but how about giving pears a try?

We hope these healthy Thanksgiving side and dessert dishes give you the arsenal to eat better and feel better this year! We're all about healthy alternatives when it comes to fueling our bodies and fun ways to keep our bodies moving all year round, especially when we're preparing for our 5K Fun Run that happens in May. Stay tuned to our blog for some workout ideas you can use to combat the fatigue during the holiday season and for tips and tricks on how to take care of yourself and your car this winter. 

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbrothersford.net

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+

Fuel Up for the 19th Annual 5K Fun Run in Westland

WESTLAND, Mich.,––Our 5K event is right around the corner. On May 13th, we'll be gathering at the Westland Farmers Market, registering, putting on our numbers, and stretching before we run to benefit the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute! Even before those things happen, there's some things you can do to prepare yourself for a successful 5K run. Staying in motion and continuing your training through the rain can be hard, but filling yourself up with healthy foods to do so is easy and we want to help. Fuel up for the 19th Annual 5K Fun Run in Westland with these recipes:

1. Pineapple Salsa

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo tomorrow with this healthy sweet and spicy salsa! 

2. Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Crusted Paleo Salmon

Provide your body with healthy fats for dinner in a delicious and easy way. 

3.  Vegetable Hummus Wrap

Fill up with healthy fiber on a meatless Monday with this customizable wrap. 

4. Baked Egg in Avocado Nest

Here's another idea for breakfast or dinner that includes plenty of healthy fats without a ton of carbs.

5. Chicken Fajita Roll Ups

You can get as spicy as you want with these baked roll ups! Try them for Cinco de Mayo! 

6. Quinoa Omelette Bites

Prepare yourself for a successful day with these easy on-the-go bites!

7. Banana Oat Cookies

Make sure you treat yourself, too! These sweet cookies can be with or without chips, nuts, etc.

We hope you enjoy these recipes to fuel up for the 19th Annual 5K Fun Run in Westland! We can't wait to run for an awesome cause on May 13th. All are welcome to participate, but must register to attend. You can easily register online, and you can get a discount on your registration through May 9th. We'll begin and end the race at the Westland Farmers Market, where we're a sponsor. Afterwards, we'll be heading back over to the dealership for our Drive 4 Ur Community event to benefit the Garden City Rotary Club. While you're there, you can enter to win a 2017 Ford Escape SE. It's going to be a big day for the community and we hope to see you there. 

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 855-739-2023, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbrothersford.net

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+