We all know that taking action to stay healthy doesn’t start or stop at a certain age. Everyone can benefit from making good choices when it comes to health, and what better way to stay well than to involve the whole family? Here are some tips on how you can stay healthy while enjoying family time.

EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!

When is the last time you danced and sang like nobody was watching? It doesn’t matter if you haven’t danced since your high school prom! Kids love to dance and nothing is more fun than turning up some music and creating your own dance party right in the middle of your family room. Dancing is an excellent way to stay healthy, and it’s fun for all ages.

Studies show that dancing offers significant protection against cardiovascular disease as you age. While interval training is a key factor, social interaction has proven to be a great attribution, as it has an effective influence on a person’s mood and stress levels.

Other health benefits of dancing include:

◆ Weight control
◆ Lower blood pressure
◆ Higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol
◆ Lower risk of diabetes

JUST JOKES

When is the last time you heard something funny it made you laugh so hard you cried? Wouldn’t be wonderful if we could laugh like that at least once a day? Why not try having your own family stand-up comedy night where everyone participates and tells their favorite jokes. These are the fun memories you will cherish forever, and “kids of all ages” can benefit from the joy of laughter.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER

Laughing produces positive physical changes in your body that boost your health immediately and over the long term. For example, laughing:

◆ Releases endorphins and dopamine, which are feel-good hormones
◆ Relieves stress and helps you cope with it
◆ Stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles thanks to the sudden increase in oxygen levels
◆ Reduces pain
◆ Lessens depression, anxiety, and tension
◆ Increases creativity and cognitive abilities
◆ Improves your immune system
◆ Improves relationships, creating happier marriages, and bonding among group members
◆ Helps you shift the way you view situations and allows you to see them from a different perspective