Take Extra Care During the Fall
By Paul Rothbart
When the weather cools and the leaves start to turn pretty colors, many people rejoice at the arrival of fall. Low temperatures, jackets and sweaters, and the anticipation of the holiday season are all good reasons to be happy. But the change in seasons can also bring on stress and strain to the body and mind. When transitioning from summer to fall, you need to take a few extra precautions when caring for yourself. There are things that are often overlooked.
Outdoor Precautions
Fall is a time of year that many people love to be outdoors. It's great for hiking, there are state fairs, and extra yard work. Just because the temperature has dropped doesn't mean you can ignore the sun. You can get burned in the fall just as you can in the summer. Wear sunscreen on any exposed parts of your body. This includes the face and hands. Your eyes also need protection. Wear sunglasses on those bright autumn days to protect yourself from UV rays. It's also important to drink water. You may not feel thirsty or as sweaty as you do on a summer day, but your body still loses moisture that must be replenished.
Yard Work
Fall brings on additional outdoor chores. The lawn still needs to be mowed and then there is the issue of leaves. They need to be raked, bagged, and disposed of. These tasks can strain or even injure muscles, back, and joints. Warm up before beginning any strenuous chores. Keep a straight back when raking and take breaks as needed. Be cautious when bagging leaves. Bending over to stuff a bag can strain your back even if the leaves aren't heavy. Extra caution is needed when moving full bags, as those do get heavy. Use a wheelbarrow or cart and get help. Stretching before and after is also recommended. You want to enjoy the fall, not have to recover from injuries.
Nature
Fall is a fun time to be out in nature, but here too, caution is necessary. Insects tend to be much more aggressive and stings and bites are common. Be attentive to your surroundings at all times and avoid turning over rocks and leaves where they like to hide. When taking a hike or walking in a park, be careful with wet leaves. They can be just as slippery as ice and cause a fall that injures you. Be cautious around trees as well. Leaves aren't the only thing that falls. A branch dropping from a tall tree can cause injury.
Fall is a fun time of year that many look forward to. But it does have its potential perils. Be mindful of the dangers the season brings so you can enjoy it fully and in good health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Valencia, Calif.