Summer is the ideal time to sow the seeds of healthy
habits that will benefit you and your family all year long. With sunny days and longer daylight
hours, it is easier to get outside and be active. But how do
you make the most of this season to enhanced your health? This McHenry
chiropractic blog post is geared toward chiropractic
patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
explores and presents the benefits of gardening and building good
nutrition and fitness habits during the summer. Let's dig
in!
The Benefits of Gardening for Everyone: Mental &
Physical
Gardening is more than just a calming hobby; it
is a natural way to increase your health and well-being.
According to a new study by Demark-Wahnefried et al., gardening
significantly improves physical and mental health outcomes, especially
for older adults. (1) The act of
planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally connected,
reducing stress and boosting mood. As a form
of moderate exercise, gardening and aids in building strength. Activities like
digging, planting, and weeding can use up calories and enhance
flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a gentle
way to keep active without putting
too much strain on the joints. And spending time in nature has been demonstrated
to decrease anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of
gardening can be meditative, providing a sense of achievement
that raises self-esteem. For kids and teens, gardening offers a
break from screen time and an opportunity to learn
responsibility.
Reaping the Garden's Goods: Nutritional and Educational
The fruits and vegetables depend on you! When you tend
your own garden, everything is not just fresh; they are chockful with nutrients.
Homegrown produce tends to be richer in
vitamins and minerals since you manage the growing conditions. A
study by Zhang et al. in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated
that high-quality fruit and vegetable intake is linked with
better cardiometabolic health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
(2) It’s reported that when
kids and teens participate in gardening, they learn where their food comes from. This knowledge can foster
a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this chance
to educate their children about various kinds
of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional values. Plus,
gardening can be an excellent way to communicate teamwork,
patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us McHenry folks doesn’t need more of that? We all do at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic.
Building Good Nutrition and Fitness Habits for Youth in
Summer
Summer is the ideal time to introduce your kids to a variety of nutritious
foods and healthy activities. Encourage activities like bike riding, swimming,
hiking, or even simple games like tag or frisbee….and gardening! According to
Bonner et al., integrating physical, psychological, and educational health in youth
during summer programs, like the THINK - The Translational Health in Nutrition
and Kinesiology - program proves beneficial in generating
a holistic approach to health. (3) You can make your own THINK
program at home! Children are more likely to embrace healthy habits
if they see their parents and caregivers practicing them. Take advantage of seasonal produce like
berries, watermelon, and leafy greens. Create fun and colorful salads,
smoothies, and snacks that are attractive to young taste buds
while delivering essential vitamins and minerals. Make fitness
and nutrition a family affair by planning active outings, making
healthy meals together, talking about the value
of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and integrating
chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for general
McHenry spinal health.
CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kim Lombardy on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates a patient case of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management,
treatment and nutritional support, helped decrease the need for
opioids.
Make your McHenry chiropractic
appointment soon.