Are You Setting Yourself Up for Fall Illness?
By Genevieve Cunningham
While there are plenty of wonderful things about the fall season, there seems to be one big thing that everyone wants to avoid. Sickness. There's something about the cool winds blowing in that seems to bring all of the germs with it. Colds and the flu run rampant at this time of year. And while we sometimes catch these illnesses without cause, it may be possible that we are setting ourselves up for sickness during the fall. If you would like to make it through the season unscathed, take a look at these ways you may be ruining your own health, and what kind of changes you can make to keep yourself well.
You’re Staying Up Late
It's not that staying up late is inherently bad. It's more that staying up late generally means that you're not getting enough sleep. And a lack of sleep weakens the immune system, which then allows germs to invade the body and make you ill. If you want to turn this around, it's imperative that you make sleep a priority. Go to bed earlier, even if it feels incredibly difficult. Even if this can't guarantee you avoid all illness, it will definitely leave you feeling better on a daily basis.
You’re Eating Junk
You are what you eat, right? When we put food into our mouths, we are fueling our bodies with vitamins and nutrients. So what happens when what we put into our mouths that is nothing but junk? It means that we're fueling our bodies with junk. It means that our bodies are likely lacking in vital nutrients. And this means that our bodies are weaker and more susceptible to illness. To turn this around, focus on improving your diet. You'll need to eat plenty of vegetables, a moderate amount of fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. If you can master this task, you'll have a healthier fall and a healthier body overall.
You’re Not Seeing the Doctor
Adults simply don't see the doctor enough. While there are a few adults who go to the doctor on a regular basis, the vast majority wait until the last possible second. We don't want to spend the money, the time, or the energy to get ourselves to the clinic. But seeing a doctor on a regular basis may help you prevent illnesses before they become a big deal. Set yourself a check-up in the next month or so, and make doctor visits a regular habit in your life. And if you're not seeing your general practitioner the way you should, definitely see your chiropractor on a routine basis so that your body is getting proper maintenance.
We can't always avoid Illness, but we can certainly do our best to improve our health and increase our chances of staying well. Use these tips starting right now and continue them into the fall. Healthier habits mean a healthier body and a more enjoyable and productive season ahead.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Smyrna, Ga.