Summer is the perfect time to sow the seeds of healthy
habits that will promote health for you and your family throughout
the whole year. With sunny days and longer day time
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 Sitka
chiropractic blog post is designed for chiropractic
patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
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 enhances 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 improving mood. As a type
of moderate exercise, gardening makes your heart rate rise and helps build strength. Activities like
digging, planting, and weeding can burn calories and improve
flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a mild
way to stay active without putting
too much strain on the joints. And spending time in nature has been documented
to reduce anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of
gardening can be meditative, allowing a sense of accomplishment
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 packed with nutrients.
Homegrown produce is apt to be more abundant 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 less risk of chronic diseases.
(2) It’s reported that when
kids and teens join in gardening, they understand
better where their food comes from. This knowledge can cultivate
a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this opportunity
to educate their children about different types
of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Additionally,
gardening can be an excellent way to show teamwork,
patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Sitka folks does
not need more of that? We all do at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka.
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 creating
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 practicing them. Take advantage of seasonal produce like
berries, watermelon, and leafy greens. Create fun and colorful salads,
smoothies, and snacks that appeal to young taste buds
while delivering essential vitamins and minerals. Make fitness
and nutrition a family affair by scheduling active outings, making
healthy meals together, discussing the importance
of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating
chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for general
Sitka spinal health.
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kim Lombardy on The Back Doctors Podcast with
Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates a patient story of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management,
treatment and nutritional support, helped decrease the need for
opioids.
Make your Sitka chiropractic
appointment today.