Oklahoma City Indian Clinic wants you to prioritize your family’s health this Summer.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, promotes fun ways to stay fit and healthy as a family.
Family Health and Fitness Day will be observed June 11, 2022, to encourage families to get active and pursue their health goals as a team. Here are five activities to get your family started.
1. Visit a local park.
Parks usually have walking or biking trails so you can get exercise while appreciating the local scenery. For younger children, there are typically playgrounds too. Visiting a park doesn’t only have benefits for your physical health, but your mental health as well.
“Spending time outdoors can improve your mental health,” said Misty Gillespie, OKCIC’s Director of Behavioral Health. “You may feel lower stress, improved attention and better mood after spending time in green spaces, like parks or forests.”
2. Plant a garden.
Planting a garden is a fantastic way to get young children excited about eating vegetables, and it’s a unique way to get exercise. Tomatoes, melons, corn and okra are all good options to plant in June.
3. Cook dinner together.
Pick out a new recipe or choose a household favorite, and cook together as a family. Be sure to set aside tasks for little ones, like stirring a bowl or setting the table. Cooking together helps children learn cooking skills and develop healthy habits.
If you need dinner inspiration, you can find a list of recipes at http://okcic.com/programs/sdpi/star-cooking-class-recipes/
All recipes are low in sodium and added sugars, so you can be sure you’re making a healthy choice.
4. Try some outdoor water activities.
Visiting your local pool or lake is a great way to cool off while spending time outdoors this summer. Be sure to have at least one designated water watcher whose only task is to make sure children are safe.
Sprinklers and water balloon fights are fun alternatives to swimming. Many parks also have splash pads.
5. Sign up for an exercise class.
OKCIC has a variety of group exercise classes available for patients ages 12 and older that will get the whole family moving. If exercise classes aren’t your speed, seasonal programming is available to keep kids and adults active year-round. See what’s available: http://okcic.com/programs/hpdp-health-promotion-disease-prevention/
Staying healthy doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. Follow these tips to start your family on a path toward better health.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 21,000 patients from over 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.