Physical Health for the Whole Family

Posted on Jan 16, 2013  | Comments (2)

We know that working on your physical health can be a tad overwhelming at times. It’s not easy penciling in the time to hit the gym every day, or time permitting to take the stairs over the elevator. In the midst of every caregiver’s busy schedule, it’s essential to remember the importance of physical health – not only for you, but for the whole family.

It’s also key to remember that physical health does not have to be an inconvenience. When you get your friends and family involved, exercising can be fun! Take a few everyday activities (like walking the dog or cleaning the house) and turn them into fun exercise regiments!

Turn it up! Cleaning the house? Turn on some of your favorite music! This will really get your body moving, and make cleaning more fun. Music is also a great way to get your children involved in the workout/cleaning spree as well, not to mention music is a fantastic way to get Alzheimer’s and dementia patients more involved. For clients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, music can encourage memories to resurface, manage stress, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements.

While you’re listing to some tunes…

Dance, Dance! Turn the dusting and the cleaning into an aerobic dance routine. Have fun moving to the music as you clean. Work on your arms and torso as you vacuum, sweep, and/or mop. Invite your family to join and start a dance contest. You and your family will not only have a clean house, but you will improve your physical health as well!

Not a big fan of housework? Not a problem! There are plenty of everyday activities that can be turned into fun exercises for all! Take a look at some of these ideas:

• Walking the dog: This can be a fun activity for the whole family to get out and get some fresh air! Keep your children’s attention by playing “I Spy” while walking. Walking with a client? Take them to a park so they can smell the flowers, or walk them through an old neighborhood to jog their memory.
• Shopping: Heading to the mall? Walk around a few times and do a little window shopping before picking up the things you need. Walking is a great way to improve physical health! Skip the escalators and take the stairs! This little effort can make a BIG difference, and you will encourage others to do the same!

Any daily activity can be turned into fun exercise with a little creativity! What creative exercise ideas do you have? Share them with us by commenting below!

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