In all its splendorous beauty, the return of fall offers the perfect opportunity to adopt some healthy habits and practice self-care. It is also an ideal time to schedule an appointment with your physician for an annual physical or flu shot.
Here are several healthy habits to consider adopting this fall.
Hydrate
While it is officially pumpkin spice latte season, you may want to save this sugary beverage for an occasional treat, choosing instead to drink healthier alternatives like water. The beauty of water is that it is a zero-calorie beverage and counts 100% towards your total daily water intake. Keeping your body hydrated is essential for preventing dehydration, dry skin, and lack of energy. Several Android and iOS apps can help you monitor your water intake and, when met, congratulate you.
Eat Seasonally
In-season produce, from apples to pumpkins, is jam-packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. Most autumn fruits and vegetables can be used in various recipes for a satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, in collaboration with Kroger Health, the American Heart Association offers a complimentary cookbook full of heart-healthy recipes your whole family will enjoy when you sign up at heart.org. You can also find a wealth of recipe inspiration on social media sites like Pinterest.
Maintain Routines
With schools back in session, fall is an ideal time to establish and maintain routines, both for yourself and your family. Doing this is equally essential as the days become shorter and the nights longer. Actions such as planning your week, getting enough sleep, practicing self-care, having family meals, and unplugging once a week can simplify not only your life but also benefit your health. Another routine is exercising for a minimum of 150 minutes per week, adding two days of resistance training.
Get Your Flu Shot
According to the CDC, influenza is most common during the fall and winter, with cases increasing in October. The best way to protect yourself from the fatigue, fever, cough, and aches associated with the virus is to get an annual flu vaccine from your physician. In addition, you can further protect yourself and others from both influenza and COVID-19 viruses by taking preventive measures such as washing your hands often, wearing a cloth face covering, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Spend Time Outdoors
Check activities such as apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch, going on a nature walk, or taking photos of the changing leaves off your fall bucket list this year while gaining the health benefits of being outside. The CDC reports that not only is spending time outdoors good for your overall health and wellness, but it can also boost your well-being, helping you naturally manage anxiety and stress. In addition, it allows you to naturally obtain Vitamin D, assuming you are taking steps to ensure sun safety.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Doctor
The health benefits of making regular appointments with your physician – and not only when you are feeling under the weather – cannot be overstated. Annual physicals and screening appointments are crucial for identifying life-altering medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease early when treatment is more likely to succeed. The screening tests your physician orders will vary depending on your age, gender, and overall health.
Woodlands Diagnostic Clinic is an internal medicine practice providing compassionate, high-quality patient-centered care at our conveniently located medical clinic in Shenandoah, Texas. Our physicians are committed to optimizing the health and well-being of patients through preventive care and diagnostic care. To schedule a back-to-school checkup or another appointment with our internal medicine practice, please contact us.
If you received a notice from AARP or United Healthcare stating that your doctor is no longer accepting United Healthcare or AARP Medicare Advantage Plan insurance coverage, please be aware that this information is misleading. That notice refers to the expiration of our participation in an old contract (NORTHWEST DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC) with the insurance company, but we are operating under a new contract (WOODLANDS DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC). If you have additional questions or concerns about your insurance coverage, please contact us at 281-863-9554.
Resources:
“American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids.” American Heart Association.
“Are There Benefits to Spending Time Outdoors?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Eat Smart.” American Heart Association.
“The Flu Season.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Preventive Steps.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
