Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/77926
pass it on! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree—and we’re not just talking about personality quirks. For better or worse, your daily habits make a lifelong impression on the kids in your life. Be a healthy role model for your kids and grandkids by engaging in intergenerational activity. You try to teach your children about the importance of healthy living. But when you plant yourself in front of the TV after work, or your kids find an empty fast-food bag in the backseat of your car, you send mixed messages—and actions always speak louder than words. For example, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a child with one obese parent has a 50 percent chance of becoming obese, and eight in 10 children raised by an obese couple will follow in their footsteps. With childhood obesity on the rise, parents and grandparents play the most important roles in promoting healthy lifestyles across the generations. good health, good times There’s no better way to inspire your family to live healthfully than by being physically and mentally active. It also provides great opportunities for generations to grow closer and discover new interests together. Begin with an activity you love, or revisit an activity you enjoyed in your younger years. You’ll love passing on your knowledge, and they’ll love trying out new things. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Be Good to Your Bones Spending more time with your kids and grandkids has its perks, but bones and joints can take a beating if you’re not careful. Before you head out with the grandkids, keep a few pointers in mind. If you have healthy bones and joints… Steer clear of activities that require you to suddenly twist your back, neck or knees. If you think an object may be too heavy to pull or lift, ask the younger generation for help. For golfers or tennis players, repetitive swinging can cause inflammation in your elbows and wrists. If you feel any pain in these joints, take a break and ice the affected joint regularly until the pain subsides. If you have arthritis… Don’t avoid activities, but perform them in small doses. Begin with 15 minutes of a low-impact activity—such as walking, biking or swimming—each day, and take an anti-inflammatory afterward to minimize pain. Increase your tolerance slowly over time. If you have osteoporosis… Ask your physician what activities are safe for you. Like those with arthritis, avoiding activity isn’t the answer. Just as exercise strengthens muscles, it can strengthen bones. To prevent further bone loss, women should take 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day, along with vitamin D to improve absorption. Increase your daily calcium intake to 1,200 milligrams once you hit age 50. Find a physician by visiting TriStarHealth.com or calling 615-342-1919.