May is Family Wellness Month

When most people think of May, Memorial Day comes to mind, but did you know May is also Family Wellness Month? Everyone knows how important regular medical appointments are to stay healthy, but Family Wellness Month is more than just your routine trip to the doctor – it’s about your family’s mental well-being and lifestyle habits.

Lead by example when it comes to making healthy choices for your family. Here are some great tips you and your loved ones can follow to not only keep your body healthy but your spirit as well!

* Is your family active? How often do you take family bike rides or strolls along the beach? Why not take a walk around the block after dinner. The next time you are planning a vacation, try centering it on a physical activity like skiing or swimming.

* Keep the TV off at dinner and eat as a family. Talk about your day and engage your children in conversation. Experts say that families reap enormous emotional benefits when they eat regular meals together - communication is better, people eat more nutritiously, and the behavior of children is better overall.

* Take some time off to reduce your stress. Try a family yoga class or play a game with your children. Watch some of your old family movies and enjoy a good laugh with your loved ones.

* Remember the saying "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?" Nothing makes you feel better than doing something nice for someone else. Call up a distant relative just to check in and say hello. Send your children’s artwork to your parents – just because!

* Get your elders involved as well – try introducing them to new gadgets like a digital camera or camcorder. Family photos and home movies always bring smiles to faces.

* Start a journal and interview the seniors in your family. Ask them about their childhood and first jobs. You’ll stay active by capturing all the memories, and they will love having an engaged audience.

Some of these tips may take time developing, but no matter what you do to live a healthy life, it will be well worth it in the long run. Interim HealthCare caregivers nationwide agree, nurturing relationships and a happy heart can be the best medicine any doctor can order.