Bond with your Dad this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is all about celebrating dads, and the father figures in our lives. They nurture us, guide us, and are always there to pick us up when we fall and while they should always be appreciated it’s nice to have one day to give them a little extra attention. Remember that June is also Men’s Health Month! It’s important to celebrate and bring attention to the health of the men in your life.  

Below are some suggestions on ways to spend time with your dad, give him a smile and keep him healthy.  

Cook a Meal Together

Preparing delicious food is a great way to build a special bond with your dad.  Not only is it nice to sit down to eat and discuss the day’s events with him, but it is also a wonderful way to build lifelong memories you both will cherish. It’s the perfect time to talk about your family’s culture and past. Food and recipes are carried through generations and can help you understand more about your dad and his past.  

Enjoy an Outdoor Activity

A little sunshine is never a bad idea, especially if your dad is working on his computer all day. There are so many different activities available for all ages and activity levels for you and your dad, too. It’s a fun way to find out more about your dad’s favorite hobby. Does he like to go fishing? Or maybe he likes hiking. Or is he someone who gardens? 

Here are some other ideas for activities to do outside:  

• Walk on a nature trail 
• Play Tennis  
• Go to your neighborhood pool  

Whatever you both decide to do outdoors don’t forget to apply some sunscreen!

Let him Take a Nap

Yes, that’s right let him take a little nap! Though this isn’t necessarily a way to spend extra time with your dad, the more sleep your dad gets, the healthier (and happier) he’ll be. Good sleep can help brain performance and prevent mood swings. Studies, like this one published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, state that the less sleep someone gets the higher the risk they have of many diseases and disorders ,  – so encourage your dad to get a little shut eye. He deserves it!

Remind your Dad you Love him

Emotional support isn’t always something we think our dads need – but they do! Not only will it make his day to hear how much you appreciate him but it’s always important for him to hear words of love, encouragement and kindness from loved ones.  

Here are some good examples of ways you can express your love to your dad:  

• I am proud to be your kid! You’ve been an incredible role model for me. 
• You always know how to make me laugh. You’re the best medicine for when I’m feeling down. 
• I am thankful for everything you’ve done for me. You are the reason I’m the person I am today.  

And if these don’t sound quite right for you, think about all the encouragement your dad gives you and turn it around on him. He’ll take your words to heart.

Remind him to Practice Preventive Healthcare

This may not seem as fun as the other points above but it’s just as important. Preventive measures can help stop health problems before they become life threatening. The CDC says that by age 45 the leading cause of death in men is heart disease and cancer. Both are treatable when caught early and the best way to do that is to see a doctor annually

If your dad hasn’t done so already, remind him to schedule his annual physical. And remember, you need to see a doctor annually too!  

There are so many other ways to spend time with your dad in a healthy way, but hopefully the tips above give you a starting point.  

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures that support us every day!