West Des Moines Make the Most of Summer with Healthy Habits and Chiropractic!
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's easier to get outside and be active. So how do you make the most of this season to enhanced your health? This West Des Moines chiropractic blog post is geared toward chiropractic patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa explores and shares the benefits of gardening and building good nutrition and fitness habits all summer long. Let's dig in!
The Benefits of Gardening for Everyone: Mental & Physical
Gardening is more than just a calming hobby; it's a natural way to increase your health and well-being. According to a recent study by Demark-Wahnefried et al., gardening significantly enhances physical and mental health outcomes, especially for older adults. (1) Just planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally engaged, reducing stress and improving mood. As a type of moderate exercise, gardening and helps build strength. Activities like digging, planting, and weeding can burn calories and improve 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 documented to lower anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of gardening can be meditative, providing a sense of accomplishment 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, everything 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 stated that high-quality fruit and vegetable intake is associated with better cardiometabolic health and reduced risk of chronic diseases. (2) It is reported that when kids and teens participate in gardening, they learn where their food comes from. This knowledge can promote a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this chance to educate their children about different types of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional values. Additionally, gardening can be an excellent way to teach teamwork, patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us West Des Moines folks does not need more of that? We all do at Executive Chiropractic of Iowa.
Building Good Nutrition and Fitness Habits for Youth in Summer
Summer is the perfect time to familiarize your kids with 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 design 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 providing essential vitamins and minerals. Make fitness and nutrition a family affair by planning active outings, making healthy meals together, discussing the value of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for overall West Des Moines spinal health.
CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kim Lombardy on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes a patient story of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, treatment and nutritional support, helped reduce the need for opioids.
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