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. So how do
you make the most of this season to improve your health? This Groton
chiropractic blog post is designed for 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 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 recent study by Demark-Wahnefried et al., gardening
significantly enhances physical and mental health outcomes, especially
for older adults. (1) Just
planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally connected,
reducing stress and boosting mood. As a type
of moderate exercise, gardening and aids in building strength. Activities like
digging, planting, and weeding can burn calories and enhance
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 demonstrated
to reduce 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, the
produce 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 wrote
that high-quality fruit and vegetable intake is associated with
better cardiometabolic health and less 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 promote
a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this chance
to teach their children about different types
of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional values. Plus,
gardening can be an excellent way to show teamwork,
patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Groton folks doesn’t 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 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 kids
during summer programs, like the THINK - The Translational Health in Nutrition
and Kinesiology - program proves quite helpful 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 doing 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 planning active outings, cooking
healthy meals together, discussing the value
of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating
chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for overall
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 reduce the need for
opioids.
Schedule your Groton chiropractic
appointment now.