7 Tips for a Healthier Fall

Now that cooler weather is setting in, it’s time to think about what you can do to help your health this fall! There are many small things you can do for your own health and to prep your home for cooler months. 

 

1-Get your Flu Shot & a yearly Check-Up

With the Covid-19 pandemic, you may have pushed off your routine visits with your doctor. Now is the best time to schedule those appointments! Getting a check-up and a flu shot can help keep you health during the upcoming flu season. If you are at a higher risk for illness such as cancer survivors or those with chronic illnesses, it’s important that you make sure you get your flu shot this year. 

 

2-Wash your Hands

If we have learned anything during the coronavirus outbreak this year, it’s that washing your hands is important. Even in a normal year it’s important to wash your hands frequently and avoid spreading germs. If you can’t wash your hands, make sure you have hand sanitizer available especially if you are in a highly populated areas and often touch public surfaces. 

 

3- Eat Healthy

Eating healthy year-round can help keep you healthier and fall is a great time to eat season foods. Pumpkins, squash, and apples are just a few of the in-season foods available. Pumpkins are full of vitamin A & C and their seeds are rich with phytosterols which can help lower cholesterol. To learn more about pumpkins and their benefits, check out Healthline.com. 

 

4- Stay Active

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can slack off now! Fall is a great time to get out and walk or hike. The air is cooler and more refreshing which also has benefits for you mental health. If you can’t get outside, there are plenty of activities you can do inside. Check out these 6 suggestions for indoor exercise!

 

5- Clean the House

Take advantage of the cooler weather and a slower schedule to give your home a deep cleaning before winter sets in. Open windows to let air flow through the house and clean under furniture and in places that don’t get regular cleaning. Reducing the amount of dust in your home results in a better breathing environment. You can also help air quality over the cooler months with air purifiers which help to remove dusk and odors from your home. 

 

6- Prepare your home for Winter

Winters in New England range from mild with little snowfall to extreme with plenty of snow and cold temperatures. Make sure that your home is ready for winter by doing some simple prep work. Have your heating system cleaned out and checked over so that when it’s time to turn the heat on, there are no issues. It’s also good to make sure that you have what you need for snow removal like shovels, salt, or snow blowers. Keeping extra water and non-perishable foods stored in case yo can’t leave the house for a few days keeps you prepared for longer storms. Every household should keep an emergency kit filled with flashlights, batteries, solar powered lights, a first aid kit and bottled water in case of power outages. For more tips on how to prep your home for the winter take a look at this checklist from the Washington Post. 

 

7- Fall Allergies

Along with the crisp air and fall colors, comes the dreaded seasonal allergies. Leaves are fallings and weeds and plants are dying which means higher levels of pollen in the air and a better environment for mold to grow. Prevent pollen from getting into your home by drying clothing in the dryer instead of hanging them outside to dry, running a dehumidifier in your home, and removing your shoes and outer layers of clothing before coming into the house. Medications can also help with allergy relief. If allergies are extremely bad, you can also contact your primary care doctor to talk about your options. 

 

Brought to you by the StayWell Health Center Team