Keep your family healthy this fall
- lori563
- Jul 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 26, 2024
Ah, fall — the beginning of cooler weather, football, falling leaves ... and the onset of illness.
Yep, you read that right. While fall ushers in a lot of joy, it also marks the beginning of cold, flu and virus season.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep yourself and your family well so you can spend more time sipping pumpkin spice lattes and less time at the doctor’s office.
Have a check-up. If you haven’t already scheduled annual preventive visits for your family, now is a great time to do so. Your doctor can look for early signs of health concerns and offer guidance for staying healthy throughout the season ahead (you may have to ask!).
Bonus! You can also earn MotivateMe points for getting a check-up by October 31. That translates to money in your pocket! Learn more.
Stay current on vaccinations. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about flu, COVID or RSV shots, or any others your family might need. Being around others in closed spaces (e.g., in the classroom or during social activities) increases your chances of picking up germs and viruses that can make you sick. Getting vaccinated can reduce that risk.
Get outside. It turns out your parents were right. Getting outside is good for your physical and mental health. Research has shown that having sunlight on your face and breathing in fresh air can have many positive effects, including increasing serotonin levels for mental health, reducing stress levels and their effects on your body, and triggering healthy immune reactions. As an added benefit, taking even a short walk with your family gives you time to relax and unwind together.
Wash your hands. A lot. As a teacher, you’re constantly around others, and that increases the likelihood of contacting germs with your hands. Combine that with the fact that humans touch their faces approximately 23 times an hour, and you have the perfect recipe for disease transmission. Fortunately, hand washing is an incredibly easy and effective way to lower that chance.
Eat well and drink lots of water. Eating nutrient-rich foods regularly can help your body fight illness. Foods high in vitamin C and D are especially helpful when it comes to giving your body what it needs to deal with germs. Similarly, staying hydrated can support your natural detoxification and disease-fighting systems.
Lower stress levels. Research increasingly shows the link between chronic stress and lower immune response. While some stress can be beneficial, prolonged or chronic stress can impact your health in a variety of ways. For instance, it can decrease white blood cells you need to fight infection. Be on the lookout for signs of chronic stress in family members and address them as soon as possible.
Ready to schedule fall check-ups and vaccinations? Have behavioral health needs?
Make a no-cost appointment at one of the five MNPS Health Care Centers. Call 615-259-8755 or schedule a visit online. Also, check out our Mental Health Resource Guide for many free resources.