Family Medicine Blog
Summer Camps
If you are like my family this time of year, it brings on a discussion of summer activities and certainly summer camps. This has changed dramatically since I was a kid, as now you can send your child to an incredible array camps. It is important to include your child in the discussion of the selection of a camp with respect to the interest and goals of your child and your family. There are many questions to ask yourself and your child.
Consider Donating Blood
It’s hard to miss signs inviting us to donate blood at local drives throughout our community, but have you ever taken the opportunity to do so? Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood and 44,000 blood donations are made each day to try and fill this need. However, what we often don’t understand is just how important it is to donate and the impact you can make on someone else’s life.
Going Green with a Plant-based Diet
My family and I recently made the decision to primarily consume a plant-based diet after understanding the health benefits of reducing our meat consumption and increasing our vegetable intake. However, a vegetarian diet isn’t for everyone, nor is it the only way to reap the benefits of fruits and vegetables – even making small changes in your diet can greatly impact your overall health.
Below are a few reasons why a plant-based diet can help you to lead a healthier lifestyle. Even if you are not ready to fully commit to a vegetarian diet, there are still many ways you can increase your fruit and vegetable intake for improved health.
Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
The holidays are here and so is the food. Everywhere you look there are trays of cookies or holiday snacks and the dinners are enormous. Keep your health in mind throughout the holidays. Get out that bathroom scale you’ve been hiding as a simple reminder to be conscious of your health over the next month. Even a pound or two gained over the holidays can add up each year! Here are a few tips to keep the pounds from being a part of your celebration.
Getting your family involved in summer activities
Exercise should be an important part of everyday life. With summer approaching, longer and warmer days are ahead, creating perfect opportunities for you to enjoy the weather with your family through fun outdoor exercises and activities.
It is recommended that adults participate in at least two and a half hours of exercise per week, while children should aim for one hour of physical activity per day. If you're new to exercise, talk with your doctor first to help create a plan that will get your new routine off to a safe start.
While it can be difficult to find a time that works for all family members, consider creating an exercise schedule that everyone will agree to, like taking family walks to the park every Tuesday and Thursday evening or a family bike ride every Saturday morning. Take turns picking the activity so everyone has an opportunity to do an activity they are interested in, such as a trip to the local swimming pool or a game of family kickball in the park. The more fun you have with your family, the more likely you are to stick to your exercise plan.