With the kids back in school, the weather starting to cool off, and cold and flu season just around the corner, fall can be a critical time for your health. To help keep you and your family safe and healthy this season, our Hamptons Roads physicians offer these health tips for fall.
· Stay Active – When temperatures begin to drop, it may be difficult to remain as active as you were during the spring and summer. Opt for indoor activities or cold-weather sports, like ice skating, to ensure you stay active.
· Eat In-Season – Produce harvested at its peak contains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and it typically tastes better and costs less, too. Choose in-season fruits and vegetables, such as squash, sweet potatoes, apples and pumpkin.
· Mind Your Mental Health – If you notice changes in your mood, sleep, appetite or energy levels, talk to your Primary Care Provider. Many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) this time of year, a type of depression that coincides with reduced daylight hours.
· Get Vaccinated – As we welcome fall, we must also contend with an unwelcome seasonal visitor: Cold and Flu Season. Make sure you’re prepared to face highly contagious illnesses, such as COVID-19, Flu, RSV, and more, by talking to your Primary Care Provider about recommended vaccinations.
· Practice Good Hygiene – With students back in school, and more of us spending time indoors and in close quarters, it’s important to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay home if you feel sick to prevent the spread of illness to others.
Talk to a Healthcare Provider in Hampton Roads, VA
Whether you’re feeling sick or simply looking for more tips to stay healthy, the healthcare providers at TPMG are here to listen to your concerns, provide recommendations, and help you achieve better overall health and wellness. We have more than 85 doctors’ offices across Hamptons Roads and more than 200 family medicine physicians, specialty doctors and advanced practice providers on staff. To make an appointment, Find a Primary Care Provider near you, or use our Find a Location tool to search by provider name, city or specialty.
