Kindergarteners across the Tampa Bay area delight in learning about their five senses during MORE HEALTH’S Five Alive presentations. During this popular lesson, children learn what their five senses do for them and how to protect them. MORE HEALTH believes in laying the groundwork for these young students, teaching them the importance of their senses, and hopes that even adults can benefit from remembering how each sense contributes to happy and healthy lives.
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♥ SIGHT
The eyes capture light and convert it into nerve signals that travel to the brain. The brain interprets these signals, allowing us to observe and interact with our world.
Sight facilitates a person’s safety and enhances communication and connection. Take the time to look around and tune into the visual cues that bring you contentment and happiness.
Take care of your eyes by wearing UV sunglasses, goggles, and hats, eating nutritious foods, and visiting an eye doctor regularly.
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♥ HEARING
The ears capture sound waves, sending these vibrations through the ear canal, over three tiny bones, and eventually to cells that translate these vibrations into electric signals sent to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as sounds.
Hearing allows us to communicate with others, be aware of potential danger, and enjoy music and our environment. Listening actively to pleasant sounds like music, nature sounds, or audible books can evoke positive feelings and emotions.
Protect your hearing when attending loud events such as concerts and sporting events. Educate children about the danger of frequently using headphones and earbuds at high-volume levels.
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♥ SMELL
The nose and brain work together to interpret hundreds of tiny particles, also known as molecules, floating in the air. When these particles reach the brain, we start recognizing smells in our environment.
Smells are known to trigger memories and emotions and even heighten the flavor of foods. The sense of smell is directly connected to the brain’s emotional center, making it one of the most powerful senses for awakening emotion. Use this idea to reduce stress, elevate comfort and happiness, and boost your mood.
Not all smells are healthy and pleasant. Avoid harmful fumes, pollution, and smoking, and teach children to ask an adult before smelling something.
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♥ TASTE
The human tongue has thousands of taste buds that can distinguish five basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory. Each taste bud detects all five tastes. When you eat or drink, the taste buds send messages to the brain about what it is.
The sense of smell and taste are highly connected. Science has discovered that the flavors we detect primarily come from our sense of smell.
When eating, pay attention to the taste and flavors. Certain comfort foods and pleasing flavors can produce happy memories, elicit positive emotions, and create memorable experiences.
Teach children to ask before tasting anything. Call the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 if a suspected poisoning has occurred.
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♥ TOUCH
The body’s largest organ, the skin, is responsible for the sense of touch. Millions of nerves in the skin send messages to the brain about the objects, textures, and temperature of items that touch your body.
Studies have shown that physical contact can increase levels of the “feel good“ hormone oxytocin, reduce stress and anxiety, boost the immune system, and even lower high blood pressure. Don’t underestimate the importance of physical touch in cultivating happiness.
For healthy skin, limit sun exposure, drink plenty of water, eat well, don’t smoke, manage stress, moisturize, get enough sleep, practice good hygiene, and visit a dermatologist regularly.
