Making Family Health the Goal: Creating the Lifestyle
By Genevieve Cunningham
Family is definitely one of our greatest blessings. They offer unconditional love, support, and companionship. There isn't anything that we wouldn't do for those that we love. But the truth is, the biggest, most important thing we can do for our families is to help them be healthy. Of course, it's not that easy. It takes work and dedication to create a healthy family atmosphere, but it can definitely be done! If you would like to help your family be as healthy as possible, take a look at these tips to start together today.
Get Active Together
Activity is very important in a healthy life. In families, we sometimes rely on one person -- Mom, Dad, athletic older brother -- to be the sole example of being active. But that won't work. If you want to create a family culture of activity, you all have to be active. Everyone should have their own personal activity, and then you should be active together. Ride bikes together. Go on hikes together. Play games together. This creates an atmosphere for the whole family, and in the long run, it means every member of the house understands what it means to be moving and involved.
Focus on Learning Nutrition
Learning to cook is a good start. But if you're not learning to cook healthy food, you're not doing as much good as you could be. Instead, focus on learning and understanding nutrition. Talk about nutrition with your kids. Discuss who needs what in their diets, and discuss how to get it. If your children understand the components of a healthy meal, they'll be able to replicate that concept when they're older. And in the meantime, everyone in your home will be growing, learning, cooking, and eating healthier together.
Promote an Open Dialogue
Members of a family are better off when they feel like they can talk to each other. Make sure that the dialogue is open in your home. If your kids need to tell you something, listen. If you've made a big decision about the family, tell your kids what it is and how you came to that decision. You don't have to talk about everything -- some things are better left unsaid. But if your eyes, ears, and hearts are open, everyone in the house will be more comfortable to speak and more prone to good mental health with the support they need.
You can definitely create a healthy home and family. It might take time and a few changes, but it can happen. Use these tips as a place to begin, and build a healthy family atmosphere to be proud of.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Anaheim, Calif.