Celebrate These August Observances in Healthy Ways
By Brandi Goodman
The months have become filled with observances of various measures. You may see holidays on the calendar, but far more occasions are actually set that you can observe or celebrate. August has been deemed National Dog Month, Family Fun Month, Back to School Month, and more. You should always celebrate in healthy ways to use the occasion to the advantage of your well-being.
National Dog Month
Having a dog is already beneficial for your health in many ways. If you don't already have one, National Dog Month is the perfect time to adopt. Dogs quickly become worthy companions. They offer a listening ear, help you exercise when you need to get out and walk them, and give you someone other than yourself to look after. They're great for your physical and mental health. Don't like dogs? Choose a different pet instead.
Family Fun Month
Family Fun Month encourages all families to find something fun and enjoyable to do with their loved ones. Mark the occasion in a healthy way by choosing physical activities you can all do together. Go for a bike ride one day and play a game of catch together the next. Enjoy a picnic at the park. Have a family dance party in the living room. Lots of options are available to help you celebrate the month well.
Back to School Month
School starts for many students in August. Now is the time to prepare and make sure you're ready to head back. Choosing the right backpack is the first step. You want to be sure the bag is adjusted properly so it sits high, between the shoulders. Allowing it to hang low on the back will pull on your shoulders and cause pain and tension. Parents should also prepare for the year by purchasing medicine and other items that will help ease illness quickly and get kids feeling good and back to school in no time. Cough drop suckers, hand sanitizer, vitamins, and plenty of fruits and veggies all come in handy.
National Panini Month
A panini is a toasted, Italian bread sandwich. The meal can be made healthier in various ways. Make sure you're using a low-calorie bread option or find wheat instead of white. You should also pack on more veggies and less meat. The meat you do use should be low in fat and high in protein. Turkey is a good option. Limit your cheese as well, and choose something such as mozzarella that isn't as high in fat as some other cheese choices.
No matter what you're celebrating and why, you should always do your best to make a conscious effort to include your health. Your well-being should always be the priority no matter the occasion and reason for observing it. Ways always exist to help make the celebration more health-worthy.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arnold, Mo.