Nashua Make the Most of Summer with Healthy Habits and Chiropractic!

Summer is the perfect time to sow the seeds of healthful habits that will benefit you and your family throughout the whole year. With sunny days and longer daylight hours, it's easier to get outside and be active. But how do you make the most of this season to improve your health? This Nashua chiropractic blog post is designed for chiropractic patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Moriarty Chiropractic explores and presents the benefits of gardening and building good nutrition and fitness habits all summer long. Let's dig in!

The Benefits of Gardening for Everyone: Mental & Physical

Gardening is more than just a relaxing hobby; it is 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, particularly for older adults.  (1) Just planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally engaged, reducing stress and boosting mood. As a form of moderate exercise, gardening and aids in building strength. Activities like digging, planting, and weeding can burn calories and improve flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a gentle way to keep active without straining the joints too much. And spending time in nature has been demonstrated to decrease anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of gardening can be meditative, providing a sense of achievement that boosts self-esteem. For kids and teens, gardening offers a break from screen time and an opportunity to learn responsibility.

Reaping the Garden's Goods: Nutritional and Educational

The fruits and vegetables depend on you! When you grow  your own garden, everything is not just fresh; they are packed 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 less risk of chronic diseases. (2)  It’s reported that when kids and teens take part in gardening, they understand better where their food comes from. This knowledge can promote a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this chance to educate their children about different kinds of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Additionally, gardening can be an excellent way to show teamwork, patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Nashua folks does not need more of that? We all do at Moriarty Chiropractic.

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 beneficial in generating a holistic approach to health. (3) You can design your own THINK program at home! Children are more likely to adopt 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 delivering essential vitamins and minerals. Make fitness and nutrition a family affair by scheduling active outings, cooking healthy meals together, discussing the value of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for overall Nashua spinal health.

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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.

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