La Grande Make the Most of Summer with Healthy Habits and Chiropractic!
Summer is the ideal time to sow the seeds of healthy habits that will promote health for 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 La Grande chiropractic blog post is designed for chiropractic patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC 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 calming hobby; it is a natural way to increase your health and well-being. According to a recent 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 improving mood. As a form of moderate exercise, gardening and helps build strength. Activities like digging, planting, and weeding can burn calories and enhance 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 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, the produce is not just fresh; they are packed with nutrients. Homegrown produce is apt to be richer in vitamins and minerals since you control 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 take part in gardening, they learn 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. Plus, gardening can be an excellent way to teach teamwork, patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us La Grande folks doesn’t need more of that? We all do at Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC.
Building Good Nutrition and Fitness Habits for Youth in Summer
Summer is the ideal 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 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 providing essential vitamins and minerals. Make fitness and nutrition a family affair by scheduling active outings, cooking healthy meals together, talking about the value of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for general La Grande spinal health.
CONTACT Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
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 reduce the need for opioids.
