Paddles, Blueberries and Making Waves

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I visited my family and decided to play pickleball with my parents. Now in their 60s, they absolutely dominate the court. While Matt and I prioritize healthy habits and consider ourselves to be in great shape, my parents still amazed me with their agility, energy and skill.

Watching them play was a wonderful reminder that healthy living can, and should, be enjoyable and sustainable throughout every stage of life.

Pickleball has been all the rage for several years now. In fact, we first featured the article “New Ways to Court Fitness: Racquets and Paddles Get a Sporting Makeover” back in 2017. In December 2022, we revisited the trend with “Pickleball is Booming,” highlighting the sport as a fun way to improve fitness, increase happiness and strengthen connections with family and friends.

This month, we return to the topic once again, inviting newcomers to discover why so many people have fallen in love with the game. On any given day, you might see children, teens, retirees and highly competitive athletes all playing the same game. Perhaps this is part of pickleball’s appeal—it seems to welcome just about everyone.

Beyond pickleball, this issue’s feature story celebrates other great ways to stay active and spend time outdoors. Read more in “Wellness Without Walls: Outdoor Connections for Body and Spirit” on page 12. Whether it’s hiking, paddling, biking, gardening or simply taking a walk in nature, the outdoors offers endless opportunities to support physical health, mental well-being and spiritual renewal.

We are also shining a spotlight on one of my favorite topics: food. Summer brings an abundance of colorful, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, making it one of the most delicious seasons of the year. Inside this issue, you’ll find ideas for vibrant summer salads where lettuce doesn’t take center stage, along with a fresh take on juicy blueberries and other brain-healthy foods.

And of course, we cannot forget our loved ones. In Wisconsin, lakes and pools are central to summer fun. In our Healthy Kids section, we explore teaching kids how to love and embrace the water, encouraging swimming safety, environmental stewardship and confidence in aquatic settings. Be sure to also check out our Natural Pet article, where we share holistic summer tips to help keep dogs happy, active and itch-free.

Whether you’ll dip a toe into the lake, the pool, a new sport or something else this summer, we hope you find time to move and nourish your body, connect with loved ones and enjoy the beauty of the season.

With gratitude,