Manchester Make the Most of Summer with Healthy Habits and Chiropractic!
Summer is the perfect time to sow the seeds of healthful habits that will benefit you and your family all year long. With sunny days and longer day time 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 Manchester chiropractic blog post is designed for chiropractic patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries explores and presents 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 relaxing hobby; it is a natural way to boost your health and well-being. According to a new study by Demark-Wahnefried et al., gardening significantly enhances physical and mental health outcomes, especially for older adults. (1) The act of planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally engaged, reducing stress and improving mood. As a type of moderate exercise, gardening gets your heart rate up and helps build strength. Activities like digging, planting, and weeding can use up calories and improve flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a mild way to keep active without straining the joints too much. And spending time in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of gardening can be meditative, allowing a sense of accomplishment that boosts self-esteem. For kids and teens, gardening offers a break from screen time and a chance 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 is apt 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 less risk of chronic diseases. (2) It is reported that when kids and teens participate in gardening, they understand better where their food comes from. This knowledge can cultivate a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this chance to teach their children about various types of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Plus, gardening can be an excellent way to communicate teamwork, patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Manchester folks doesn’t need more of that? We all do at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries.
Building Good Nutrition and Fitness Habits for Youth in Summer
Summer is the perfect time to familiarize your kids with all types 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 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 scheduling active outings, making healthy meals together, talking about the value of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for general Manchester spinal health.
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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 decrease the need for opioids.
