As the weather cools down, most people change their daily routines. They may not go out as often or spend more time indoors where it is warm. Combine this with the many treats that we enjoy at this time of year and it can easily begin to affect your health.
Keeping up with a healthy lifestyle through the fall will ensure you feel great through winter and into the spring. It’s pretty simple, but you can take advantage of the changing seasons to change up your routines and break out of any ruts.
Your local family doctor in the RGV explains the best ways to stay healthy this fall.
One of the easiest ways to improve your diet is simple: committing to healthy eating. Fall has a bounty of delicious and nutritious produce you can add to your diet. Visit your local farmer’s market or roadside stall to see your options.
If you have no recipe ideas, a simple soup or salad can use up a lot of veggies you have waiting to be eaten. Remember to eat lean proteins and always enjoy treats in moderation. There are plenty of healthy snacks you can choose to make sure your whole diet is nutritious.
A very quick fix is to swap a sugary drink or alcohol with water.
Most people exercise the most during January and the summer months. That doesn’t mean they keep up with it once the first tinges of winter cold appear. It’s very tempting to snuggle up under a blanket once the weather gets brisk, but fall is the perfect time for getting active!
Exercise can help keep you warm and the endorphins can help if you tend to have a low mood once the colder months arrive. You can also exercise outside for a longer time!Take the chance to run or bike a local trail and enjoy the changing seasons.
Remember to still wear sun protection no matter what time of year it is. Even if you don’t burn, your skin will still be damaged by the UV rays present at all times of the year. Yes, cloudy days count too, so wear good sunscreen on any exposed skin.
The FDA has a wonderful guide to sunscreens that will answer all of your questions.
Part of staying healthy year-round is taking care of yourself. Make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. You should also keep up with brushing your teeth! Dental disease can affect your whole body if it isn’t treated promptly.
Your mental health is also a critical part of wellness. Stress is a killer, so take the time to unwind and relax. Spending time with loved ones can also improve your mood and mental health.
Fall tends to bring colds with it, and infectious illnesses like the flu or COVID pass quickly at this time of year. It is essential to keep up on your healthy habits like hand washing and wearing a mask if you are sick. Don’t forget to get any available vaccines to keep you and everyone you come in contact with safe.
You need to take care of your health, and part of that is a checkup with your local family doctor. Regular screenings and wellness visits make sure you don’t have any burgeoning health problems. You can also make sure you are meeting your health goals safely.
If you want to find a local family doctor to help support your healthy lifestyle, Healthy Lifestyles RGV is here! We can offer all the help you need to stay healthy this fall and throughout the rest of the year.
Don’t wait until you start feeling bad before you see a doctor. Keep up with regular appointments and you will stay healthy long-term. Healthy Lifestyles RGV can help you set up regular checkups and screenings to make sure you feel great year-round.
