Calgary Family Assessment

Summary

The Turner family participated in a family assessment to enhance their physical activity. Marsha, the assessor, highlighted their strengths, including teamwork and strong communication. Despite initial reluctance from Cliff, who felt his work provided enough physical activity, the family found creative ways to incorporate more exercise, such as walking, tennis, and archery. Marsha educated the family on the immediate and long-term health benefits of physical activity, encouraging them to keep active together. The family expressed enjoyment in spending time together while staying active, reinforcing the importance of family bonds and health.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Turner family is a strong team that works well together in daily tasks, whether it’s chores, outdoor work, or staying active.
• 😀 Good communication within the family helps them resolve issues and express their feelings respectfully.
• 😀 Marsha, the family assessor, appreciates the family’s effort in improving their physical activity despite challenges.
• 😀 The main goal for the Turner family was to increase physical activity for health reasons, particularly due to Julie’s high blood pressure and Cliff’s arthritis.
• 😀 Marsha asked the family to track their activity for a week, aiming for 30 minutes of exercise 4-5 times a week, and most members succeeded.
• 😀 Cliff initially resisted more physical activity, feeling his work was enough, but the family came up with creative ways to incorporate activity into family time.
• 😀 The idea of spending time together while being active, like walking or playing tennis, helped Cliff feel more motivated.
• 😀 Marsha shared materials highlighting the immediate and long-term health benefits of being active, such as better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a healthier heart.
• 😀 Physical activity also helps lower the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, which is important for the family’s health.
• 😀 Marsha encouraged the family to keep being active, focusing on fun activities that can be done together to maintain healthy habits and strengthen family bonds.

Q & A

What are some of the strengths observed in the Turner family?

The Turner family shows strong teamwork, good communication, and the ability to listen and consider each other's feelings. They work well together on tasks, whether it's chores or activities, and they support each other through challenges.

Why did Marsha suggest that the Turner family increase their physical activity?

Marsha suggested increasing physical activity to help manage health concerns within the family, such as Julie's high blood pressure, Cliff's arthritis and pain, and others' high BMI. Physical activity could improve overall health for all family members.

What challenge did Cliff face regarding physical activity?

Cliff felt that his work was already physically demanding, and he didn't want to add another task when he was at home. He preferred to rest after his physical workday.

How did the family try to encourage Cliff to participate in physical activities?

The family suggested that Cliff join them in activities that involved spending quality time together, such as walking, shooting baskets, or practicing archery. This approach was intended to make physical activity feel less like a task and more about family bonding.

What was the outcome of the plan to involve Cliff in family activities?

Cliff participated in family activities, including walking the dog with Julie, walking to the field with Haley, and playing tennis with the boys. These activities helped him engage with his family while also increasing physical activity.

How did Kailyn's health impact her ability to participate in physical activities?

Kailyn had to be quarantined due to illness, which limited her activity. Once she recovered, she returned to the gym and gradually resumed her physical activity.

Why is physical activity important for health, according to the information shared by Marsha?

Physical activity provides both immediate and long-term health benefits. Immediately, it improves sleep quality, reduces anxiety, and can lower blood pressure. Long-term, it helps with brain health, heart health, cancer prevention, weight management, bone strength, and balance.

What are some of the long-term benefits of physical activity mentioned in the transcript?

Long-term benefits include reduced risk of Alzheimer's, dementia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers (such as bladder, breast, and colon cancer). It also strengthens bones and helps maintain a healthy weight.

How much physical activity is recommended for children aged 6 to 17?

Children aged 6 to 17 should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, such as fast walking or sports like basketball, on at least three days a week.

What is the recommended amount of physical activity for adults?

Adults are recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, which equates to about 30 minutes five times a week. Additionally, adults should aim for two days of muscle-strengthening activities each week.