The sun is shining in most parts of the country, and Family Health and Fitness Day is upon us! Observed on the second Saturday in June, it’s a nationwide celebration emphasizing the role of parks, recreation, and physical activity in keeping families healthy. Aside from being just plain fun, regular exercise with the family has plenty of benefits, from improved cardiovascular health, increased mental well-being, and strengthening family bonds. Are you ready to take advantage of these benefits and more? Keep reading for tips on how you and your family can turn Family Health and Fitness Day into an annual tradition.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Fuel your family’s adventures with nutritious meals and plenty of water. Pack healthy snacks for your outdoor adventures - try a new recipe you can make together, like homemade protein bars or trail mix. And remember, when it comes to health, proper nutrition and hydration play a major role. While every body requires different levels of nutrients, the general rule is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight - if you weigh 140 pounds, you should drink at least 70 ounces of water per day, more if you’re enjoying exercise or the outdoors. Speak to your DPC doctor for questions about your health if you’re unsure what your body needs.
Get Involved In Your Community
If there’s one thing we always see on summer calendars, it is county and health fairs! Check out your community calendar for local gatherings, fun runs, and charity events. It’s a perfect time to lead by example, make a positive impact in your community, and meet other families in your neighborhood!
Have Some Fun
There are often hidden gems in your own neighborhood if you do just a bit of research! Stop by your local chamber of commerce or pop on to your favorite search website (ex., Alltrails.com) to look for local trails; pack a picnic, enjoy nature, and get some exercise as a family. Or, pack a frisbee, a jumprope, and some bubbles and visit a new park. If you prefer to stay close to home, set up an obstacle course or outdoor gym and challenge each other in your backyard - it’s all about having fun while staying active.
Hinter and Sr. Partnerships Manager Dani Brown knows that even amidst the hustle of life with a family of six, getting outdoors with her family is more than a break for nature. She and her crew enjoy the trails of Colorado as a way of instilling healthy routines in their children’s developing minds, and make it a priority no matter how busy life gets. Whether it’s a weekend hike or an evening walk, the Brown’s ensure that time spent together outdoors goes beyond personal well-being; they’re creating lasting memories and building healthy, lifelong habits.
Here at Hint, we love any excuse to get outside and have some fun, all the better if it improves our health, too. Lifestyle Medicine has taught us how important movement of the body is for physical and mental health, and this weekend, we’re also using it to improve our family bonds. Grab your water bottle, a snack, and your entire family if they’re willing - we’ll see you on the trails!