GET OUTSIDE, FEEL FANTASTIC!
WINTER WONDERS FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH
Building a snowman outside in the cold air is much better than sitting in a warm room with a cellphone for maintaining a child’s physical and mental health in the wintertime.
Although most people tend to stay indoors during winter, spending time outside on snowy days can give people of all ages a needed boost. Here are a few interesting facts that show how a winter wonderland can enhance our well-being. THE PERKS OF OUTDOOR PLAY Did you know you’re more likely to catch a winter cold if you stay indoors? Although we instinctively huddle in close quarters when temperatures drop, hiding inside makes us more susceptible to germs that thrive in stagnant air. Studies have shown that being cold may trigger our immune systems, which means playing outside in the fresh winter air is often better for a child’s body than snuggling up in a warm living room. Getting outside in winter also puts a child’s mind in motion. Although the sight of icicles and one’s breath in winter are old hat for
adults, these seasonal events could inspire wonder and curiosity in young people, allowing them to learn new things about the world. Encouraging your child to design and build the ultimate snowman also stimulates their imaginations far more than watching TV indoors. Winter play also helps keep children’s senses sharp when inclement weather disrupts their usual routines like school and sports. THE DYNAMIC BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D Sunlight is one of nature’s greatest gifts to our health, as it provides us with vitamin D. Getting outside when the sun appears on a winter’s day can do wonders for our mood, as increasing our vitamin D levels reduces anxiety and stress. Instead of letting our kids hide in dark rooms on snow days, let them venture outside and receive one of Mother Nature’s easiest cures for the winter blues!
BONES BUILT TO LAST
The Laws of Lifelong Mobility
When was the last time you thought about your bones? With so much of our health depending on them, it’s surprising how many people allow their habits to harm their frames. To help you keep your bones strong and healthy — and remind you of practices that are not doing you any favors — here are three things to consider as part of your overall health goals for the new year. SMOKING, SIPPING, AND SERIOUS RISKS It should come as no surprise that tobacco and alcohol are harmful to every part of our bodies — especially our bones. If you smoke, there is no medical professional anywhere who would recommend you continue doing so. As for alcohol, the Mayo Clinic recommends no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
to get vitamin D. Believe it or not, moderate consumption of dark chocolate — which contains oxioxidants that help with overall bone and joint health — is another option to explore. If dietary restrictions or moral beliefs prevent you from consuming animal-derived foods, consider adding supplements to ensure you get what you need.
PLATE PICKS FOR PEAK STRENGTH What we can achieve with our bodies comes down to what we put into them. Eating junk food that lacks essential nutrients negatively affects our bones, primarily through the added physical pressure of weight gain. To help your bones stay durable, follow a diet high in calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Fish, dairy products, and leafy greens are reliable foods for ongoing bone health, and spending time outdoors in the sun will provide a natural way
STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINED HEALTH Going for routine check-ups with your
healthcare providers is the best way to ensure your daily routines are beneficial, especially if you’re over 65. Before adding new exercise routines or other changes to your everyday health habits, review your current physical state with a professional who can identify whether your plans may aggravate osteoporosis or other bone-related issues.
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