Family Activities Promote Healthy Bonds

by Dr. Brett L. Lukert, DC

As fall approaches and the weather starts to cool, outdoor activities are a great way to build healthy bonds with family. Exercise, leisure activities and even yard work can all be therapeutic if done together as a family. During this beautiful time of year, take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, and enjoy all that fall has to offer.

Exercise can sometimes become monotonous, especially in the hot, summer months. Thankfully, fall offers us relief from the heat and provides the opportunity to exercise in comfortable temperatures, without the humidity. Tennis, biking, hiking, nature walks and stroller rides are all types of exercise that can be done as a family and are much more appealing this time of year.

Leisure activities are important for everyone, no matter what the season. However, relaxing in the crisp, fall sunny weather is especially invigorating. Camping, fishing, going to the zoo, watching football games, playing golf, roller skating, Frisbee, and making a trip to the pumpkin patch are all fun fall activities that come to mind. No matter the activity, family is what makes it memorable, and we need to remember to take time to relax and count our blessings.

Fall also means yard work, but even yard work can be enjoyable if we have help from family. The more people we have involved, the quicker the job, and less stress on the body. Raking leaves is one job that can be time consuming and overwhelming without any help. Including the family in this project, however, not only makes the job easier, but also makes it fun when taking breaks to play in the leaves!

When emphasizing a wellness lifestyle, sometimes it is easy to forget how important family is to our health. In all actuality, this is one of the most important aspects of health and should not be neglected. During this beautiful fall season, make time for family activities, enjoy the outdoors, and remember to be healthy, live healthy, and stay healthy!