5 Things You Can Do to Stay Healthy This Fall

Arizona residents know that fall’s arrival doesn’t look (or feel) the same as it does in other places. But there are a few seasonal health recommendations we should all take to heart. Here are five steps adults can take to stay healthier and feel better this fall.

 

  1. Get a flu shot + COVID-19 booster.

Newly updated COVID-19 boosters were rolled out in early September and are now widely available. Pair yours with your annual flu shot for added protection against illness this fall and winter. 

 

  1. Get a mammogram if you’re overdue.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which offers a great reminder to schedule your next mammogram if you are due (or past due). Because mammograms can detect cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage, it’s important to keep up with this regular screening.

 

  1. Moisturize for better skin health.

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and dries out more easily. Add living in the desert to the mix and it’s easy to see why staying moisturized matters. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a creamy, fragrance-free moisturizer formulated for dry skin immediately after your shower or bath and throughout the day as needed. 

 

  1. Give your immunity a boost. 

Beyond your COVID-19 booster and flu shots, there are other steps you can take to help boost your immunity this fall (and all year long). Start by keeping up your regular physical activity routines. Then, load up your diet with foods rich in proven immune boosters like beta carotene, vitamins C and D, zinc, protein, and probiotics. Getting a good night’s sleep and taking steps to reduce stress can also give your health a boost. 

 

  1. Be mindful of your mental health. 

The holidays can be hard on everyone, but especially those who have lost loved ones. With this season’s reduced hours of sunlight, your odds of facing seasonal depression or related mental health issues can rise. Therefore, it’s critically important to be aware of how you’re feeling, regularly connect with friends and loved ones, and talk to your doctor with concerns if you need extra help coping. 

 

Here’s to a happy and healthy fall!