6 Summer Health Swaps for Kids
By Brandi Goodman
Keeping your kids healthy and well can be a challenge. Add in the summer season with no structure and you can really struggle to maintain their well-being. Make some summer health swaps for your kids and it will be easier to ensure they're doing as well as possible all season long.
Swap Indoor Time for Outdoor Time
Summer isn't the time to sit inside. Your kids should be swapping their indoor time for outdoor time so they can get plenty of fresh air and easy exercise. Let your kiddos ride their bikes, run through the sprinkler, and play outside with friends or pets as much as possible.
Swap Store-Bought Ice Cream for Homemade Cold Treats
You don't have to buy ice cream for the store to give your kids a cold treat. Make your own at home instead. It will be cheaper in the long-run and much healthier for your children (and yourself). Frozen bananas blend up well to make an ice cream-reminiscent dessert.
Swap Lemonade With Lemon-Infused Water
Lemonade is a common summer drink. It's often packed with sugar, though, making it less than ideal to have on more than the rare occasion. Swap out your child's lemonade fix with lemon-infused water instead. They'll still get that lemon flavor while also having way more nutrients and not near as much sugar. It's great for hydration in the heat.
Swap Typical Video Games With Interactive Ones
Your kids can still play their video games on rainy days. Just be sure they're swapping out the typical versions where they sit for interactive options. The Wii system is great for this, as is the PlayStation Move and Xbox Kinect. Movement matters for these games and your kids will actually have to get up and mimic the motions they want their characters to exhibit.
Swap TV Time for Reading Time
Sitting in front of the TV for hours won't do much good for your kids. Not to mention the strain it can cause on the eyes. Swap out TV time for reading time instead. Get your kids some age-appropriate books in genres they enjoy so they'll be more likely to read instead of turning to the television.
Swap Sandals With Supportive Shoes
Sandals may seem like the ideal summer shoe, but they're actually not. They may be breathable, but they offer no support. You need to be sure your kids are playing outside in supportive tennis shoes that keep their feet comfortable and pain-free.
Some simple health swaps can help make your child's summer more worthwhile. They'll be healthier and all the better for it. Summer can be a time of fun, exploration, and health as long as you're helping your kiddos make the right choices.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Huntsville, Ala.