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