Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Making new year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them break them within just a few weeks. This year, focus on long-term lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on overall health and longevity for both you and your family.
Here are a few tips to focus on your family’s health this New Year:
Eat dinner as a family without devices.
About 40% of American adults battle obesity and are overweight. However, it’s not just a problem that adults face. In 2017, close to 19% of children were affected by obesity. Studies have found that device-less dinners give families time to bond and increase communication. .. When families eat together at least three times per week, kids tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and less fried foods and sugary drinks, leading to less weight gain.
Snack better.
Serving healthier foods and more fruits and vegetables, especially as snacks, is a great start to a healthier lifestyle. Letting your children help pick the foods or select produce at the store can create more interest in healthier foods. Some great choices are raisins, yogurt, fruit, reduced-fat cheese, baby carrots and peanut butter. Mom and dad can set a good example by putting down the junk food, too, and being mindful of portion sizes.
Get enough sleep.
Some studies found that 30% of American children don’t get enough sleep and unfortunately, some adults aren’t the best examples when it comes to getting enough rest. The National Sleep Foundation reports that more than 70% of adults don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep a night. For adults, sleep deprivation might present as brain fog and forgetfulness, but it can also contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, heart disease and high blood pressure. For kids, a lack of sleep can decrease learning ability, increase tantrums and make them more accident prone. Children need between eight and 14 hours of sleep per day, depending upon their age, so make sure sleep is a priority.
Play together.
Exercise is no fun if it’s something you dread doing. Instead, make activity a family affair through play. Set specific goals for movement at least five days per week so it’s easier to stick to your plan. If something arises, don’t cancel—reschedule. Activities families can do together include walking, jumping rope, hula-hooping, playing putt-putt, riding bikes or playing basketball. Stuck inside? Try yoga or roll up soft socks into balls and have a “snowball” fight.
Visit your doctor.
A study published by The Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA) found adults with primary care providers are more likely to fill prescriptions and to receive health screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Kickoff the year with a visit to your primary care physician for a wellness exam or to catch up on vaccinations.
Physician Regional Medical Group
Start the year right by scheduling your annual wellness exam and learning how you can meet your goals for 2023. Call 239-920-4503 or visit https://www.physiciansregional.com/find-a-doctor
