Summer is the perfect time to sow the seeds of healthy
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. So how do
you make the most of this season to improve your health? This Auburn
chiropractic blog post is geared toward chiropractic
patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.
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 calming 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, especially
for older adults. (1) The act of
planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally engaged,
reducing stress and boosting mood. As a type
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 putting
too much strain on the joints. And spending time in nature has been demonstrated
to lower anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of
gardening can be meditative, providing 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 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 reduced risk of chronic diseases.
(2) It is 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 opportunity
to teach their children about various types
of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Additionally,
gardening can be an excellent way to communicate teamwork,
patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Auburn folks doesn’t need more of that? We all do at Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C..
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 kids
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 appeal to young taste buds
while delivering essential vitamins and minerals. Make fitness
and nutrition a family affair by planning active outings, cooking
healthy meals together, discussing the importance
of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and integrating
chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for general
Auburn spinal health.
CONTACT Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.
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 reduce the need for
opioids.
Make your Auburn chiropractic
appointment now.