Only 25 percent of adults and 20 percent of kids in the United States get enough exercise. This lack of physical activity is a major contributor to many health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. As a result, it’s more important than ever to prioritize exercise, especially within our own homes. The first step to building a healthy community starts at home. As our parents and grandparents are getting older, it becomes our responsibility to help them stay healthy and maintain good habits. These habits include the usual advice of no smoking, staying active, scheduling regular check-ups, and finally, eating healthy. 

NO SMOKING

Avoiding nicotine products and smoking is essential in leading a healthy lifestyle. Tobacco use is a leading cause for many serious diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. The effects aren’t only limited to the smoker; secondhand smoke is a significant danger to those around them, especially family members. If any family member at home smokes, it is crucial to encourage them to quit, as eliminating smoking at home will be better both for their own health and for others at home.

STAY ACTIVE

Physical activity is a fundamental way to be active and stay in good shape, and it’s never too late to start. Encouraging family members to engage in regular physical activity, whether it’s going on walks, yoga, or other forms of exercise, can help improve circulation, decrease cancer risk and improve bone health! If you prefer more engaging types of exercise, team sports like soccer, tennis, and many more are available to almost all ages with varying levels of difficulty. In addition to this, staying active together can strengthen bonds, improve mental health, and create fun memories. 

Here are a few simple ways to stay active:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator
• Walk to local destinations like the grocery store or a nearby restaurant
• Play outdoor games
• Take the dog for a walk
• Join a local intramural sports team

All of these small changes help to maintain an active lifestyle and can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.

SCHEDULE REGULAR CHECK-UPS AND SCREENINGS

While 92% of American families agree that annual check-ups are important, only 62% actually follow through. Regular medical visits are essential as they can help catch potential health issues early and prevent more serious problems down the line. Be sure to remind family members to schedule routine screenings for common health conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and some cancers.

Here are some of the most common and impactful preventative screening that your parents and grandparents should do:

• Bloodwork: cholesterol, lipids, blood glucose, A1C, Creatinine and other cancer markers such as PSA and CRP.
• Cardiac Calcium score scan
• Basic vitals such as blood pressure and heart rhythm assessment
• Colorectal screening (endoscopy or cologuard)
• Mammography
• Prostate cancer screening
• Bone assessment (osteoporosis and frailty) 

HEALTHY EATING HABITS

A nutritious diet is a key component of maintaining a healthy community. Unfortunately in many homes, poor eating habits, such as reliance on fast food have been normalized leading to high rates of obesity and malnutrition. Many families struggle to access fresh, healthy foods, but it’s still possible to prioritize nutrition with a bit of planning. To improve eating habits, consider meal planning to include a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. It would also be a good idea to involve your family in the meal prep process to make it a fun, shared activity. By focusing on having a balanced diet and eating healthy as a family, you can help set an example for other families in your community. 

Creating a healthier community starts at home. By taking small steps, such as quitting smoking, staying active, scheduling regular check-ups, and eating a balanced diet, you can not only improve your own health but also the health of your loved ones. Start with these simple steps, and together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for our family and society.