Summer is the ideal time to sow the seeds of healthy
habits that will benefit 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. But how do
you make the most of this season to enhanced your health? This Ashburn
chiropractic blog post is designed for chiropractic
patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn
explores and presents 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 relaxing hobby; it's a natural way to increase your health and well-being.
According to a new study by Demark-Wahnefried et al., gardening
significantly improves 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 form
of moderate exercise, gardening makes your heart rate rise and aids in building strength. Activities like
digging, planting, and weeding can use up calories and enhance
flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a mild
way to stay active without straining the joints too much. And spending time in nature has been documented
to decrease 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 tend
your own garden, the
produce is not just fresh; they are chockful 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 reduced risk of chronic diseases.
(2) It’s 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 teach their children about various types
of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional values. Additionally,
gardening can be an excellent way to communicate teamwork,
patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Ashburn folks does
not need more of that? We all do at Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn.
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 quite helpful in creating
a holistic approach to health. (3) You can make 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 appeal 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 general
Ashburn spinal health.
CONTACT Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn
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.
Schedule your Ashburn chiropractic
appointment soon.