Tips for Staying Healthy Heading Into The Fall
Time has been flying by, and before we know it we’ll be celebrating the holidays with our loved ones. As we progress into the fall season, it’s important to make sure we’re maintaining our health so we can end the year on a strong note. Autumn provides numerous opportunities to stay active, eat right, and just enjoy life overall. So, here are some essential tips for you to consider with ways to maintain your health and be the best version of yourself!
Eat In-Season Fruit and Vegetables
It’s a no-brainer that fall is a great time to stock up on in-season superfoods from your local farmer's market. A great seasonal serotonin booster is planning a weekend at your local apple farm or pumpkin patch with your family. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and they’ll have a ton of activities everyone can be a part of. Available foods such as pumpkins, squash, zucchini, cranberries, and apples are at their peak ripeness to make enjoyable hearty and healthy meals. These produce items are vastly universal and can be great ingredients for various seasonal recipes. Pumpkins and squash in particular contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which your body can always use. Not to mention fruits like apples are chock-full of fiber that can help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Stay Up to Date at the Doctors
Life gets busy and sometimes doctor visits fall by the wayside. No matter the season, it’s always prime time to get yourself checked out and continue on that path to good health. The frequency of routine checkups is dependent on your age, risk factors, and current health status. The common rule of thumb is to visit your primary care doctor at least once a year. Doctors may suggest more or less time between your checkups based on the previously mentioned attributes or if you have a condition they’d like to monitor. Regular check-ups are essential as you’ll be able to find life-threatening health issues early on and receive treatment before they cause problems. These visits will always be a great opportunity to learn new ways to live healthier, longer, and improve your overall health.
For those who need sight correction, you should visit your optometrist at least once a year to have the most up-to-date vision prescriptions. The older you get, the faster your vision changes, which is why it’s important to consistently attend annual appointments. If you prefer to wear contacts over glasses, you’re in luck. The internet has made it simple and convenient for you to buy contact lenses online with just a click of a button. All you have to do is provide your payment method as well as your current contact lens prescription determined by your eye doctor. Once you’ve submitted this information to the online retailer you’re ordering from, the process is seemingly effortless, making it easier than ever to maintain a proper supply of contact lenses all year round.
If you’re searching for a new local healthcare provider, consider checking out a third-party service like Zocdoc. This is a great resource that’ll match you with the perfect physician, dentist, eye doctor, or other specialists in your area! You’ll also be able to read testimonials from other past patient experiences to feel confident in your decision. Another great feature they offer is narrowing down providers that take your specific insurance; so you won’t be hit with surprise out-of-network costs. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine who’s in-network vs out-of-network, but Zocdoc cuts research time in half by providing all the necessary tools to help you find an excellent doctor.
Fall Back into Your Exercise Routine
Fall is a great time to go outdoors and exercise! It’s typically less hot and humid during these months, plus the leaves are turning and views are breathtaking; going for a weekly hike in the crisp fall air is a great way to get yourself back on track for exercise. Getting outdoors regularly can greatly benefit your mental health, as observing the nature around you can put your anxiety at ease.
Traditionally, people will flock to the gym in order to restore their exercise routines especially as the temperatures get chilly. But have you ever considered trying pilates in addition to hitting the gym? Pilates provides a dynamic exercise experience that can benefit your entire body. It works to improve your posture, strengthen muscles, create a strong and flat abdominal wall, and more.
Monitoring your health is more important than ever. By being aware of what your body needs, you can make the appropriate choices to better benefit you! Following these tips will establish a great foundation for staying healthy as you transition from summer to fall in the next few weeks.