As everyone knows we need oxygen to live and without it we would not exist. Well the best way to take in that oxygen is by breathing in the fresh air outdoors. When indoors, we are most likely breathing in air that is stale and contaminated. Most items found in the home or office contain nerotoxins, carcinogens, and reproductive or developmental toxins. Things like household cleaners, air fresheners, paint, curtains, carpets, rugs, drywall, etc. Over the last 10 years scientists have discovered that the levels of safe exposure to toxic chemicals are much lower than thought before.
I will have a future post that will go into much more detail about having a healthy home. I will talk further about what particular items are very toxic and alternatives to them.
Getting outside with my children is also very important for the fact that it's fun! It's a great way to release some energy and get our bodies moving. We love to go on walks and see what new creatures we can find or what fun imaginative games we can play. We just moved to a little country town in NC from Puyallup,WA about 5 months ago. So for us, this is a whole new adventure! We have discovered the most amazing array of bugs and creatures here! My children love to go outside because they are not confined to certain boundaries that get old quickly. I have found that children are not really looking to have the latest and greatest all the time. What they really are needing and wanting is for their parents to enjoy being with them and appreciating who they are.
One fun outdoor activity we recently discovered, made up by one of our friends, is a game called "Big Ball Soccer". It can be a bit of a rough game, depending on who is playing, but a lot of fun. This game isn't intended for really small children, but if you have older ones they'll love it. My four year old didn't quite like it but says when he turns 5 he will. What you need are two teams, count doesn't matter, one of those big exercise balls and a flat grassy area. Set a goal on two opposite sides using whatever is available. The object is to get the ball through the goal on the opposite side by carrying it, bouncing it, throwing it, or any other method. It is fun for adults too! You pretty much make up your own rules. A good way to make getting out and running around a lot of fun!
On to the next important reason to get out in the sun everyday. Getting 10-15 minutes of sun exposure (UV rays) everyday or several times a week (void of sunscreen) is the most efficient way your body can make vitamin D. Why is that important you ask? Well vitamin D is essential in aiding the body to absorb calcium for strong healthy bones, preventing disease, supporting the immune system and healthy cell reproduction. Experts suggest if you want to use sunscreen, wait to put it on after 5-10 minutes of sun exposure. Your body is able to begin making vitamin D within those first 5-10 minutes of exposure. Studies show that the use of even a sunscreen of 8 SPF can reduce your skin's ability to make vitamin D by almost 95%. So sun in mild doses is good!
Tomorrow when you wake up plan to spend sometime outside enjoying God's amazing creation and the wonderful family He has blessed you with!
-Barbara
