Groton Make the Most of Summer with Healthy Habits and Chiropractic!
Summer is the ideal time to sow the seeds of healthful habits that will benefit you and your family all year long. With sunny days and longer daylight hours, it is easier to get outside and be active. So how do you make the most of this season to improve your health? This Groton chiropractic blog post is geared toward chiropractic patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office 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 improves physical and mental health outcomes, particularly for older adults. (1) Just planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally engaged, decreasing stress and boosting 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 improve flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a gentle way to stay active without straining the joints too much. And spending time in nature has been reported to lower 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, everything is not just fresh; they are chockful with nutrients. Homegrown produce tends 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 found 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 chance to teach their children about various kinds of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Additionally, gardening can be an excellent way to teach teamwork, patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Groton folks does not need more of that? We all do at Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office.
Building Good Nutrition and Fitness Habits for Youth in Summer
Summer is the ideal 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 adopt 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 are attractive 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 Groton spinal health.
CONTACT Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
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 decrease the need for opioids.
