Implementing Seasonal Health Programs: Keeping Patients Active and Healthy During Summer

Summer is a great time to focus on health and wellness. With longer days and warmer weather, it's easier for everyone to get outside and stay active. For healthcare entrepreneurs, summer is the perfect season to encourage patients to stay active and healthy. Here’s how you can create and promote these programs in your practice.

The Importance of Seasonal Health Programs

Seasonal health programs help keep patients engaged in their health year-round. During summer, these programs can take advantage of the nice weather to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and other wellness practices. They also provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to connect with their patients in a fun and positive way.

Creating Outdoor Fitness Programs

One of the best ways to keep patients active in summer is by offering outdoor fitness programs. Here are a few ideas:

1. Walking Groups: Organize weekly walking groups. Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise that most people can do. It's also a great way for patients to socialize and support each other.

2. Yoga in the Park: Partner with a local yoga instructor to offer outdoor yoga classes. Yoga improves flexibility, strength, and mental well-being.

3. Community Sports Leagues: Encourage patients to join local sports leagues. Whether it’s softball, soccer, or tennis, team sports are a fun way to stay active.

4. Outdoor Boot Camps: Hire a fitness trainer to lead boot camp sessions in a park. These high-energy workouts can cater to different fitness levels.

Promoting Healthy Eating

Summer is the season for fresh fruits and vegetables. Use this opportunity to educate your patients about healthy eating. You can:

1. Host a Nutrition Workshop: Invite a nutritionist to give a talk about healthy summer eating habits. Cover topics like the benefits of eating seasonal produce and how to make simple, healthy meals.

2. Share Healthy Recipes: Provide patients with a collection of easy-to-make, healthy recipes. Include plenty of salads, smoothies, and grilled dishes that are perfect for summer.

3. Organize a Farmer’s Market Tour: Take a group of patients to a local farmer’s market. Show them how to pick the best produce and give tips on how to incorporate these items into their diets.

Encouraging Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during hot summer months. Remind your patients about the importance of drinking water. You can:

1. Distribute Water Bottles: Give out branded water bottles to encourage patients to drink more water throughout the day.

2. Educational Materials: Provide pamphlets or send emails with tips on how to stay hydrated. Include information on the benefits of water and signs of dehydration.

3. Hydration Challenges: Create a friendly competition among patients to see who can drink the most water each week. Offer small prizes to keep motivation high.

Mental Health and Relaxation

Summer is also a time to relax and recharge. Encourage your patients to take care of their mental health by:

1. Offering Mindfulness Workshops: Partner with a mental health professional to provide workshops on mindfulness and stress reduction.

2. Promoting Nature Therapy: Encourage patients to spend time in nature. Explain the mental health benefits of activities like hiking, gardening, or simply walking in a park.

3. Creating a Relaxation Space: If possible, create a relaxing space in your clinic where patients can unwind. Include comfortable seating, calming music, and resources on mental wellness.

Hosting Community Events

Community events are a great way to bring people together and promote health. Consider organizing:

1. Health Fairs: Host a health fair with different stations focused on various aspects of health.

2. Family Fun Days: Plan a family-oriented event with activities like relay races or tug-of-war.

3. Workshops and Seminars: Offer a series of workshops on different health topics. These can be in-person or virtual, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Marketing Your Programs

To ensure your seasonal health programs are successful, effective marketing is essential. Here are some tips:

1. Use Social Media: Promote your programs on social media platforms. Share pictures, videos, and success stories to engage your audience.

2. Email Newsletters: Send out regular newsletters to keep patients informed about upcoming events and programs.

3. Posters and Flyers: Display posters and flyers in your clinic and around the community to reach a broader audience.

4. Partnerships: Partner with local businesses and community organizations to help spread the word about your programs.

Take On Summer The Right Way

By implementing seasonal health programs, you can help your patients stay active and healthy during the summer. These programs not only promote physical well-being but also foster a sense of community and support. Start planning today and make this summer the healthiest one yet for your patients!

Savannah Lyle is the Community Outreach Coordinator and Executive Marketing Assistant for Mindsight Behavioral Group but when she isn’t working, she loves to get involved in the Deaf/HOH community. She goes to a variety of Deaf events and has a passion for the language. She also loves surrounding herself with friends and family. You can usually find her doing something creative in her free time. 

Next Steps:

• Looking for more systems guidance? Check out Systemizer School! This 8-week class helps business owners dominate through order and efficiency!
• Looking for hands-on support in your healthcare business? Mindsight Partners is the only expert-led membership program for group practice owners looking to scale their business.
• Looking for a conference to change your practice? Meet You In Kentucky is an annual conference focused on the 3 C’s of a practice: Company, Clinicians, and Clients. 
•  Need more from Kasey? Her book Fix This Next for Healthcare Providers is out now! Grab your copy from Amazon.  Her new book, In Search Of You, is out NOW! Grab your copy from Amazon.