4 Tips to Improve the Health of Your Family
By Virginia Laird
Life with children can be difficult, especially when it comes to improving everyone's health. Due to a child's (or in my house a husband’s) pickiness in food it is almost impossible to introduce new foods, much less a healthier variety of them. There are a few things that parents can do to improve the health of the entire family without ever changing the actual food being consumed.
Get Outside Together
Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine does wonders for a person’s health. Taking the family out to enjoy life outdoors can offer a great number of benefits, including stress relief, increased communication, more laughter, among others. Getting outside together does not mean every person in the family heads out with a phone, tablet, or other device in hand. Everyone, including the parents, need to leave these inside. There are many things to do outside; get creative and enjoy some family time.
Invest in Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is important to an individual’s health. Although a parent cannot force a child to drink, it can be encouraged. Investing in a water bottle that can be carried everywhere can help the whole family remember to drink lots of water. Take the kids shopping and allow them to select their water bottle. Having one for each child that they love can be more exciting and promote staying hydrated.
Have a Bedtime
Bedtimes are important. When people do not get enough sleep, their attitudes can be affected. This can cause many to have a sour attitude or even be short-tempered. The entire family can get along better as everyone gets enough sleep each night.
Make Time for Breakfast
When it comes to breakfast, make time to sit together (even if it is just for five minutes). Starting each day with a good, well-balanced meal can get everyone’s day started off on the right foot. Breakfast has long been suggested the most important meal of the day. It helps to get the body ready to tackle the challenges that may lie ahead. Breakfast also provides the nutrition needed to ensure the brain is awake and functioning.
As you set out to improve your family’s health, keep in mind that too much change at once is a bit overboard. Try to implement just one thing at a time. As the kids get excited, add another. Before you know it, your family will be on a path to a healthier lifestyle.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Colo.
