Summer is the perfect time to sow the seeds of healthy
habits that will benefit you and your family throughout
the whole year. 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 Williamson
chiropractic blog post is designed for chiropractic
patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Apple Country Chiropractic
explores and shares 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 boost your health and well-being.
According to a recent study by Demark-Wahnefried et al., gardening
significantly improves physical and mental health outcomes, particularly
for older adults. (1) The act of
planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally connected,
reducing stress and improving mood. As a form
of moderate exercise, gardening makes your heart rate rise and helps build strength. Activities like
digging, planting, and weeding can use up calories and enhance
flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a mild
way to stay active without straining the joints too much. 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 boosts 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 grow
your own garden, the
produce is not just fresh; they are packed 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 found
that high-quality fruit and vegetable intake is linked with
better cardiometabolic health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
(2) It is reported that when
kids and teens take part in gardening, they learn where their food comes from. This knowledge can foster
a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this opportunity
to educate their children about different kinds
of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Additionally,
gardening can be an excellent way to communicate teamwork,
patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Williamson folks doesn’t need more of that? We all do at Apple Country 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 quite helpful 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 doing 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, cooking
healthy meals together, discussing the importance
of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating
chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for general
Williamson spinal health.
CONTACT Apple Country Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kim Lombardy on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes a patient case of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management,
treatment and nutritional support, helped reduce the need for
opioids.
Make your Williamson chiropractic
appointment soon.