Monthly Health Articles Archive

Make exercise a family affair - May is National Family Wellness Month

If you’re looking for an excuse to start exercising, try this one – it’s not just good for you, it’s good for your entire family.  The month of May is Family Wellness Month.  Exercise is an excellent family activity that provides many physical benefits in addition to spending time together.

Getting the entire family on board with exercise doesn’t have to involve expensive equipment or structured formal games; instead it can be focused on fun events and activities that get everyone out of the house and off the couch.

Spring and summer provide many opportunities to explore ways to play and have fun.  Talk a walk together or walk the dog.  Go swimming at a nearby lake or the swimming pool. Play catch with the Frisbee or check out one of the area’s Frisbee golf courses.  Have a family game of kickball, soccer or softball, or invite the neighbors over for a game.  Park your car in the garage and walk or bike to your destination.  For younger children, play tag, jump rope or have contests on the monkey bars at the park.  Not all exercise must be related to sports – lots of chores around the house are also forms of exercise. Wash your windows or your car together.  Plant flowers or a vegetable garden together or do a spring clean up in your yard. 

While it’s fun for children to participate in youth sports events, it’s good for them to see adults and older siblings making exercise a priority as well.  Participating in activities together as a family helps each person reap the benefits of being active.  Everyone can find something they enjoy doing to get some exercise.  It’s fun and an important part of your overall health.

Exercise can boost your energy level and improve balance, coordination, flexibility and circulation.  Exercise is good for your heart, lungs, bones, muscles and even your mental health.  It can help reduce your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  Finding ways to exercise as a family will help encourage children to continue staying active once they are on their own.  It’s recommended to exercise at least 30 minutes every day.  Start now to get your family into the habit of doing this all summer long.

Childhood obesity is a serious health concern and increases their risk for health problems later in life.  Obesity in children can lead to health problems such as heart disease, which can be caused by high cholesterol and high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and social discrimination.
Exercise and eating habits are just two of the many factors that relate to obesity and weight issues.  Individual behaviors, environmental factors and genetics all contribute to a person’s weight.  Investing some time in your family’s health by making exercise is a priority is a benefit that could last your child a lifetime.  Make the most of Family Wellness Month by getting your family out the door and active.

-Burt Bottjen, M.D. is a family physician at Kossuth Regional Health Center