Tips for Staying Healthy This Fall

Fall may bring cooler temperatures and all things pumpkin but it also tends to bring with it cold and flu season.  Whether you have school-aged children, work in an office, or frequent the local coffee shop, you are exposed to millions of bacteria and a multitude of germs that could lead to illness.  Heading to the local pumpkin patch is much more fun if you are not battling the sniffles so doing everything you can to support your health will help you avoid common fall illnesses.  Below are 5 tips for staying healthy this fall so that you can make the most of this beautiful season.

Tips for Staying Healthy This Fall

1. Wash Your Hands

This may seem like an obvious one but it is an easy one to forget about. It is always important to wash your hands frequently throughout the day but during the fall it is more important than ever.  It is pretty much impossible to avoid bacteria and germs but if you wash your hands often and always before touching your face or eating you will greatly reduce your risk of getting sick.

2. Eat Healthy Foods

A healthy diet is an essential part of health and wellness.  The more vitamins, minerals, lean proteins and healthy fats that you eat, the better equipped your body will be to fend off illness. Additionally, many fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants which help protect your body from free radicals and boost your immune system.

3. Get Your Sleep

When you sleep it is your body’s time to rest and recover from the day.  Your body’s cell’s regenerate during sleep and many important processes take place that support your overall health including your immune system.  Lack of sleep directly impacts your immune system’s ability to fend off illness so get your 7-9 hours each night!

4. Get Your Flu Shot

Everyone, and particularly the elderly, children, and the immunocompromised, should get their flu shot each season.  The flu shot is a simple and safe way to dramatically reduce your risk of getting the flu.