Toronto Make the Most of Summer with Healthy Habits and Chiropractic!
Summer is the perfect time to sow the seeds of healthy habits that will benefit you and your family throughout the whole year. 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 improve your health? This Toronto chiropractic blog post is geared toward chiropractic patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre explores and shares 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 enhances 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 type of moderate exercise, gardening gets your heart rate up and helps build 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 shown to reduce anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of gardening can be meditative, providing a sense of accomplishment that raises 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 tends to be more abundant in vitamins and minerals since you control 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’s reported that when kids and teens take part in gardening, they learn where their food comes from. This knowledge can foster a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this opportunity to teach their children about different types of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Plus, gardening can be an excellent way to show teamwork, patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Toronto folks doesn’t need more of that? We all do at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre.
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 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, making healthy meals together, talking about the value of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and integrating chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for overall Toronto spinal health.
CONTACT Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
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.
