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

Summer is the perfect time to sow the seeds of healthy habits that will promote health for you and your family all year long. With sunny days and longer day time hours, it is easier to get outside and be active. So how do you make the most of this season to enhanced your health? This Toronto chiropractic blog post is geared toward chiropractic patients, parents, kids, teens, fitness beginners, and health enthusiasts. Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre explores and shares 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 calming hobby; it is a natural way to boost your health and well-being. According to a recent study by Demark-Wahnefried et al., gardening significantly enhances physical and mental health outcomes, particularly for older adults.  (1) The act of planting, tending, and harvesting keeps you physically active and mentally connected, reducing stress and boosting mood. As a type of moderate exercise, gardening makes your heart rate rise and helps build strength. Activities like digging, planting, and weeding can use up calories and enhance flexibility. For chiropractic patients, these activities can be a mild way to stay active without straining the joints too much. And spending time in nature has been documented to lower anxiety and depression. The repetitive tasks of gardening can be meditative, providing a sense of accomplishment 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 tend  your own garden, the produce is not just fresh; they are chockful with nutrients. Homegrown produce tends to be more abundant in vitamins and minerals since you manage 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 reduced risk of chronic diseases. (2)  It’s reported that when kids and teens participate in gardening, they learn where their food comes from. This knowledge can cultivate a greater appreciation for healthy eating. Parents can use this chance to educate their children about various types of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional values. Plus, gardening can be an excellent way to communicate teamwork, patience, and the rewards of hard work. Who of us Toronto folks does not need more of that? We all do at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre.

Building Good Nutrition and Fitness Habits for Youth in Summer

Summer is the ideal time to introduce your kids to 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 kids during summer programs, like the THINK - The Translational Health in Nutrition and Kinesiology - program proves quite helpful in creating 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 doing them.  Take advantage of seasonal produce like berries, watermelon, and leafy greens. Create fun and colorful salads, smoothies, and snacks that are attractive to young taste buds while delivering essential vitamins and minerals. Make fitness and nutrition a family affair by scheduling active outings, making healthy meals together, talking about the value of a balanced diet and regular exercise, and incorporating chiropractic spinal manipulation into the mix for overall Toronto 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 describes a patient story of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management, treatment and nutritional support, helped reduce the need for opioids.

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Toronto chiropractic summer health tips 
 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."