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New Year ’ s Resolutions For The Whole Family by guest contributor Dr . Sara Butkovich
‘ Tis the season for new year ’ s resolutions , gym memberships , and intense diet restrictions . With 2017 upon us , the beginning of the year signifies new beginnings . Of course , we all have room for improvement , but this year I want you to not only focus on the physical improvements , but more so of the mental and emotional improvements . Showing your children how to plan and conquer goals will significantly help them in their future and it also creates a family bonding experience . Here are some tips to help you and your family make 2017 your healthiest and happiest year yet !
1 . Eat whole , nutrient dense foods – Instead of focusing on weight loss this new year , I suggest taking steady changes towards eating more of a high vegetable , whole foods diet that nourishes the body . Staying away from prepackaged foods will decrease and eliminate toxins and chemicals in your body that stores in adipose ( fat ) tissue , making it extremely hard for an individual to maintain a healthy weight . Real foods include organic meats and vegetables , raw nuts and seeds , berries high in antioxidants , and plant based fats like coconut oil , olive oil , and avocados . These foods can be found at farmer ’ s markets , health food stores , and on the outside of your local grocery store . Lastly , stay away from foods that are labeled low fat , fat free , sugar free , etc . These foods are severely nutrient deficient , and are chemically altered in one way or another . The chemicals added to these food-like substances have been linked to chronic health conditions like diabetes , hyper-activity disorders , infertility , and cancer .
2 . Be committed to regular exercise – A family that moves together , stays healthier together ! Toddlers and children spend a great deal of time in car seats , sitting in school , and even plopped in front of a television set . These sedentary lifestyle habits prevent your child from engaging and strengthening their motor skills and having a healthy heart , lungs , and musculoskeletal system . Try to limit your children ’ s screen and technology exposure to a half hour a day . Active ideas for the family can include walks , hikes , or even making an activity out of a household chore . These activities can strengthen your child ’ s “ social nervous system ” which can help fight against behavioral disorders and promotes a positive stress reaction . Also , spending time in nature will promote Vitamin D absorption and strengthen your immune system .
3 . See your Chiropractor regularly – Gone are the days where Chiropractors were only seen when you had a backache . Chiropractors work specifically with the central nervous system that is responsible for all autonomic functions of the body such as breathing , digestion , heart rate regulation , immune system activation , and much more . Making sure that your nervous system is free of any interference will improve your brains communication to all organ systems . Research has shown that individuals who see a chiropractor
regularly have less pharmaceutical costs , less hospital visits , and fewer sick days from school / work .
4 . Stay Positive – A positive mental outlook while you are making these changes to your lifestyle will help you stay patient and persistent . What we say about ourselves is what we tend to believe . Saying positive affirmations like “ I am strong ” or “ I am working towards my goal ” will set you up for success at conquering these goals . It is also important to teach this practice to your children , as bullying seems to be a worldwide crisis . When a child practices positive affirmations , these statements will define how they feel about themselves . Sticks and stones may break their bones , but words will NEVER be able to hurt them .
Dr . Lisa Merritt and Dr . Sara Butkovich of the Weddington Chiropractic Wellness Center at Blakeney .
weddingtonwellness . com 704-817-7618
Weddington Chiropractic Wellness Center at Blakeney 8832 Blakeney Prof . Dr ., Suite 100 Charlotte , NC 28277
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Parent Teacher Magazine • Jan / Feb 2017 • 11