Enjoy the great outdoors on Family Health and Fitness Day
By Dr. Paul Mayer, co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health
Family Health and Fitness Day, which is observed the second Saturday in June each year, is a nationwide celebration of the importance of parks and recreation in keeping individuals, families and communities healthy and active. This national day is an opportunity for everyone to discover, embrace and share the power of parks and recreation in promoting family health and well-being.
Getting outside has numerous benefits for the whole family! Here are just a few reasons to check out the great outdoors this summer:
- People, including adults and youth, who use parks and open spaces are three times more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity when compared to non-users.
- Additionally, green space exposure corresponds with improved physical health, including decreases in stress levels, blood pressure, heart rate and risk of chronic diseases.
- Similarly, access to parks, open spaces and recreational facilities reflect positive increases in mental health, such as reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in park users.
- High-quality parks and recreational facilities also counter social isolation by providing both structured and informal opportunities that connect park users with nature and each other. Social connections not only improve health but also allow park users to develop a sense of belonging and purpose within their community.
Although Family Health and Fitness Day is June 14 this year, families are encouraged to add recreation activities into their regular schedules. Here are some ideas to help kick-start a new healthy family lifestyle:
- Hike local trails.
- Have a family picnic.
- Get outside in nature.
- Take part in sports.
- Visit a playground.
- Enjoy water activities.
- Attend park and recreation events.
Check out the many beautiful parks and outdoor places in the Pikes Peak region. For locations of trails, open spaces and parks try checking out these resources:
- For El Paso County Parks and Recreation, visit, communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation
- For Colorado Springs Regional, Community, and Neighborhood Parks visit, coloradosprings.gov/parks
- Learn more about Colorado State Parks at https://cpw.state.co.us. You may already have a Keep Colorado Wild Pass, which is included in vehicle registration for $29, and it will grant you access to all Colorado State Parks.
- If you are looking for a bigger adventure, check out Colorado’s four national parks, including Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
It’s important to do something physical every day. Get out and play as a family. Whether the family goes for a walk, throws a Frisbee or plays with the dogs, get the heart rate up. Get the whole family involved in setting up fitness goals and routines. When we make reaching health goals a family goal, it becomes a fun activity.
When adding exercise, it’s also important to focus on a healthy diet. Fuel your adventures by offering your family a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding on foods and beverages, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat and sodium. Start with these tips:
Connect at mealtimes
Sit down together for a meal when you can. Turn off the TV and put away screens and devices so you can “unplug,” interact and focus on each other.
Plan your meals
Reduce stress at mealtimes by planning out meals before the week starts. Include quick and easy dishes, or leftovers, on nights that are extra busy.
Let everyone help
Kids learn by doing. Younger ones can mix ingredients, wash produce or set the table; while older kids can help with ingredients. Everyone can help clean up.
Serve a variety of foods
Include choices from each food group — fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy and fortified soy alternatives — in meals and snacks throughout the week.
Let kids choose
Get kids engaged with meal preparation at home. Serve meals “family style” to encourage kids to be creative with their plates. Offer nonfood rewards
Foods aren’t the only rewards that kids like. Younger kids may enjoy gathering points toward a special outing, and older kids could earn extra screen time or an allowance.
