Gladine Manual is a consultant at Mediclick PH - a one-stop online shop for healthcare needs. She helps provide digital solutions to the changing business needs of Mediclick PH. She loves anything related to wellness and new health technologies. She is an occasional contributor of healthy lifestyle articles.
So many kids become prone to diabetes and other serious health risks at such an early age because of poor habits and lifestyle choices. By prioritizing the health of your family, you're also encouraging them to aim for the best outcome for their lives. In the following, we'll be discussing everything you need to know on how to have a healthy life for you and your family.
What is family health?
Maintaining fitness and health habits can do so much more than making someone look and feel good physically, but it’s also about maintaining the emotional and mental states of the entire household. You want to ensure that they aren't prone to being sick constantly.
Statistics show that approximately 1 million children suffer from TB, wherein 239,000 die from the disease annually. Other statistics report there are approximately 678,000 deaths in the United States alone because of poor nutrition and obesity-linked diseases. Many of these diseases could be prevented if family care becomes an integral part of daily life.
Your family comprises the most important relationship of your life, which means ensuring they get proper and effective care is crucial. Most importantly, family health ensures the longevity of life and preventing the risk of diseases caused by unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices.
Best practices to maintain your family's health
Physical activity doesn't have to be as boring as it sounds, especially when you think of it as an opportunity to spend time with your family. By encouraging your kids and family members to engage in exercise, you're not just boosting their mood and energy levels, but you're also promoting their physical health.
Statistics show that when you regularly engage in physical activity, there's a 50% lower risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or colon cancer and a 30% lower risk of being diagnosed with depression or dementia. Physical activity benefits all aspects of your family's life, and it's all the more reason you should be encouraging them to move their body in an activity you all enjoy together.
It doesn't have to be as strenuous as working out in a gym, but it can be something family-oriented and fun like going for a run or riding a bike together. According to the World Health Organization, more than 80% of the adolescent population worldwide are inactive. These populations have a 20% to 30% increased death rate than those who are physically active.
2. Maintain good nutrition
Good nutrition doesn't mean that you can't eat food you're craving, but it's all a matter of moderation and balance. Doing something as simple as preparing balanced meals for your kids and family can help them reduce the unhealthy eating habits they have like mindless snacking.
Preparing meals that consist of carbs, fiber, protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables is the precise definition of a balanced diet and the standard of good nutrition. Portion control is also vital, especially for family members who are more prone to overeating.
3. Reduce screen time
Out of everything in this list, this is the hardest to incorporate in your family's lives as a lot of us depend on technology and gadgets to keep ourselves entertained and informed. However, the time your kids and family members spend on their phones can be used to stay fit or explore the outdoors.
It's these minimal adjustments in the family lifestyle that can benefit everyone’s overall health and wellbeing. Whether it's video games, computers, or even just social media, remind them to take some time off and engage in physical activities instead, such as sports.
Key Highlights
Use exercise and meal planning as an opportunity for your kids to spend time with you and have fun. Encourage physical activity by planning or scheduling things you could all enjoy as a family.
When it comes to nutrition, it doesn’t mean you won’t let your family indulge in cookies, pizza, or other snacks, but remember the importance of finding the proper balance between nutrition and occasional cravings.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 16-year-old son, 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old toy poodle.