Be the Healthiest You Can Be This Fall by Following Simple, Yet Important Tips

Read on to discover ways you can make the most out of this fall, while living your healthiest life.

With the current pandemic still affecting most of our lives in some way or another, it’s even more important to be vigilant about our health and take preventive steps in order to stay healthy. This fall, follow these tips to help you and your family stay healthy.

  • Get your flu shot. Influenza (flu) is a serious disease and getting your flu shot is the number one way to protect you against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu shot. Speak with your doctor about all the vaccinations that are recommended for you.
  • Don’t forget to hydrate. Even though the weather is getting colder and you may not feel the need to drink much water, be sure you continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day while avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages.
  • Get outside and be active. Embrace the new season, layer up if needed, and get into nature. Explore new hiking trails, visit an apple orchard, or find a local park to explore. Regular physical activity can help you live longer and reduce your risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, obesity and some cancers.
  • Try new autumn produce. Buy in-season produce, such as persimmons, cranberries, eggplant, squash or kale, to get a variety of nutrients and avoid boredom of the same produce options.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene. Getting a restful night sleep can help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. Good sleep hygiene includes sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, getting about seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, avoiding large meals, caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and being active during the day. 
  • Understand antibiotics. Antibiotics only can cure bacterial infections, not viral infections. Common infections like the common cold and flu are viral, so antibiotics would not help. Also, taking too many antibiotics when they are not needed causes some of the bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, therefore, they may not be effective when you actually need the antibiotic.

Sources:

“11 Tips for a Healthy Fall,” cdc.gov, accessed Sept. 11, 2020.

“Autumn Health and Safety Tips,” cdc.gov, access Sept. 11, 2020.