January is Health Month on Catholic Online - Try these activities with your family!

January is Catholic Online's "Health Month" a time during which we reflect on wellness. It's the perfect time to make changes for the better, and our health is the single-most important factor in determining how much we enjoy our life. We now bring you a Catholic perspective and activities for celebrating your wellness.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The body is the Lord's temple and we are called to keep ourselves clean and healthy. While this may not always be possible, it is the preferred way for us to be. When our bodies are sound and free of aches and pains, we are better able to listen to the whispering of the Holy Spirit and the movement of Christ in our lives.

For those who are sick, whether because of condition or age, activity remains important. Like any temple, we must maintain it in order to enjoy the most use of the body given to us by God. Some of us have unique challenges, but God grants strength to overcome all challenges, if we are prepared.

Activity is key for all ages. Here are some recommended activities for you and your family on the occasion of Health Month.

1.    As a family, choose and plan a new diet

The only way to lose weight without surgery is to burn more calories than you consume. Many believe dieting means eating less, but this doesn't always work for people whose genetic disposition works against them. Some people do not have the capacity to process ghrelin correctly and their appetite becomes excessive. There appear to be genetic causes for this. High weight is often a cause for shame and it shouldn't be. God love all people, no matter their weight or proportions, and you should too.

With this acknowledged, we can still follow some tips that allow people to eat without adding weight to their waistlines.

Substitution is an excellent first step. Substitute low calorie alternatives for high calorie food and beverages. For example, water is zero calories and is a lot better for your body than soda. If you don't care for your tap water, filtered water may be more palatable. Infusing water with frozen fruits, leaves of mint, or lemon juice can provide a natural, low-calorie flavoring.

Vegetables are among the healthiest things you can eat. While we need protein and carbs from meat and grains, we often overeat these portions and sacrifice vegetables. Reverse that habit by finding vegetables you like and methods of preparation that work for you.

Salads are great, but they're often undone by the dressing, which has a lot of calories. Switch to reduced calorie dressings. You can also use lemon juice, shredded cheese, or add other healthier toppings such as olives or nuts to help. You may not ever find it possible to enjoy a salad without dressing, but any cutbacks in the quantity you use will help.

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Keep a record of your calories. Simply write down what you eat for each meal and look up how many calories each item adds to your daily total. You might be surprised to see that you're getting more calories than you think from some sources.

It's okay to snack if the snacks are healthy. Diet doesn't mean starvation.

2.    Get active

For kids, it's as simple as putting down the game controller and playing outside. Even an hour of outdoor play each day has great effect on health. Start with a small snack, such as a banana or an apple, then hit the yard, park, or playground! Make sure kids have a few toys to choose from. A ball or two, a jump rope or other items dedicated for outdoor use are enough. Beware of giving too many choices for play as this can stimulate boredom. Part of the fun of being a kid is making up your own games with the tools at hand. Older adults can certainly remember playing "cops and robbers" armed with a twig for a gun. Imagination is part of the recipe.

Also note that assigning a kid chores outdoors doesn't count. Kids need play time with others to develop properly as adults. Chores are okay, but in moderation. Play should be play of every day the same as a chore.

For adults, putting down the remote or logging off the social network is important. Play outside with the kids, teach them a sport or other activities. Walking for just an hour a day brings significant health benefits and adds years of life.

For the elderly, the recipe is the same. Walking, or doing whatever exercise you can is very useful. The more active you remain, the longer your life and the more life you add to your years. Swimming is a fantastic exercise for older adults.

Everyone probably has some way they can improve their activity, decide what works for you and give it a go!

3.    Don't ignore your spirit

A whole, healthy person takes care of body, mind and spirit. Modern medicine has taught us the value of the first two, but we often neglect our spirits.

Our spiritual health matters because spiritual decay leads to physical decay. A person who loses their sense of morality is more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, such as drugs, alcohol and sexual promiscuity than a person who remains faithful to the commandments of God.

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A daily routine of prayer and meditation is both natural and healthy. These periods, especially if they are reflective, can clear the mind, and make a person more aware. With clear thinking comes better decisions. When that thinking is guided by God, it cannot be wrong.

4.    Don't forget others

There are many people around us that suffer with one condition or another which deprives them of full health. The nature and origin of the infirmity is irrelevant; we are called to serve these people. Visiting the sick is what the faithful Catholic does. Even if you cannot heal these persons, you can assuage their suffering by spending time with them.

Kids can make cards for the elderly. These people often appreciate visits. Taking a meal to a shut-in neighbor or doing a favor or other good deed is simply what Christians do. You can pray for these people and even donate to causes that benefit them. It is our duty as Christians to remember the forgotten and the neglected.

We encourage you to browse our collection of health-related items in our January special collection. Buy, donate, or act according to how the Spirit moves you.

Remember to show gratitude for your health, to pray for wellness, and to help those who may not enjoy what you enjoy.

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