Staying active this summer as a family
Be a role model for an active lifestyle. Start moving more yourself and find ways to be active together as a family.
Physical activity should be fun for children and adolescents. Encourage kids to keep trying activities to discover the ones they like and will stick with long term.
Reduce or limit sedentary screen time, including watching television, playing video games and using a digital device.
Provide kids with opportunities to be active. Give them active toys and games, like bikes, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, jump ropes, balls and sports equipment.
Get familiar with community facilities near you, like pools, recreation centers, bike paths and parks.
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health can positively or negatively impact your physical health and risk factors for heart disease and stroke, according to “Psychological Health, Well-Being, and the Mind-Heart-Body Connection,” a scientific statement in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.
Stress may contribute to poor health behaviors linked to increased risk for heart disease and stroke, such as:
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Being overweight
- Not taking medications as prescribed
Resources:
More July Calendar Highlights
7/1 – International Joke Day | Tell an Old Joke Day (7/24) Can the groan-up humor of ‘dad jokes’ possibly be good for health?
7/2 – Civil Rights Act Anniversary – signed into law in 1964, prohibited discrimination in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities, and made employment discrimination illegal.
7/3 – National Eat Beans Day – The Benefits of Beans and Legumes | National Stay Out of the Sun Day
7/3-8/11 – Dog Days of Summer – Can Your Pet Help You Be Healthier?
7/3 to 7/9 – Alcohol Awareness Week
7/4 – Independence Day
7/5 – National Workaholics Day
7/7 – Father/Daughter Take a Walk Together Day | Global Forgiveness Day | National Day of Rock ‘n’ Roll – The American Heart Association has teamed up with the Elevance Health Foundation to teach Americans how to perform Hands-Only CPR. All songs in our ‘Don’t Drop the Beat’ playlist and Elevance Health Foundation Station are between 100 – 120 beats per minute, the same rate at which you should perform compressions when administering CPR.
7/11 – World Population Day
7/14 – Shark Awareness Day
7/15 – National Give Something Away Day
7/16 – National Ice Cream Day – Avocado Banana Ice Cream | American Heart Association Recipes – This creamy all-fruit ice cream is a delicious way to boost both fruit and fiber intake. Easy to prep the night before to ensure a refreshing treat is ready for kids of all ages.
7/17 – World Emoji Day
7/21 – National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
7/23 – National Parents’ Day | March for Men
7/24 – National Drowning Prevention Day Consider – Join our Nation of Lifesavers and learn CPR. The American Heart Association recommends CPR rescue breaths along with chest compressions in cases of drowning | International Self-Care Day – Self-Care Isn’t Selfish Infographic | Pioneer Day
7/26 – National Disability Independence Day commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990 | National Dog Photography Day – Healthy Bond for Life / Pets
7/30 – Share a Hug Day | World Friendship Day
7/31 – National Avocado Day – Dairy-Free Berry Avocado Smoothie – This simple dairy-free berry smoothie made with almond milk, frozen berries and avocados is a creamy delicious treat anytime. This recipe from Avocados From Mexico is an American Heart Association Heart-Check Certified recipe.
