Remember These Health Essentials and Enjoy Autumn Without Falling Ill

As well as heralding the beginning of warm sweaters, hot chocolate, and watching the leave turns, Fall also tends to usher in a wave of sicknesses. This seasonal malaise can be attributed to shifts in weather patterns, for example, colder temperatures in autumn and winter make it easier for some microorganisms like viruses that cause the flu or common cold to spread.

While it's very hard to avoid the common cold (it has that name for a reason), there are still ways to protect yourself.

Top tips for staying healthy

Always wash your hands
Many harmful microbes enter the body cavities like the mouth, nose or ears via contact with hands, no matter clean they may look.

Get at least 7 hours of sleep a day 
Our body repairs itself when we sleep; hence sleep deprivation affects the way our immune system fights off infection.

Eat well and maintain a balanced diet
Sure, you can have cheat days and eat whatever you like but do it in moderation. Otherwise, try to eat a varied range of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.

Stay active
Do cardio exercises to maintain a healthy heart, go to the gym to shed unwanted fat, join yoga classes to keep your body supple.

Reduce stress
Autumn is a beautiful season so enjoy the outdoors. Does your work stress you out? Allow yourself to take some time off. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that counteract your immune system’s ability to respond to harmful microbes. If you are struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, click here for information about resources and support groups that are available to you. 

Illnesses to be aware of

• Seasonal flu usually begins in autumn, so it’s better to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible.
• Norovirus is a contagious type of virus that causes stomach inflammation disorders. People with norovirus infection develop symptoms like cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Watch out for fall allergies. Trees shed leaves, and some of them contain dust from smoke or pollution, while other plants release pollen this time of the year. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy and watery eyes.
• Bronchiolitis is a contagious viral infection that mostly affects young children. This illness causes swelling and mucus buildup within the kids’ air passages. It is spread through direct contact with fluids from the nose and throat of someone carrying the virus.
• Seasonal changes can trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or depression, which can lead to sleeping problems and eating disorders. Its exact cause is still unknown, but research suggests that decreased sunlight due to shorter days affects our body mechanism that regulates hormones, moods, and sleeping patterns.

READ: How to Navigate Buying Medicine at at Local Pharmacy

This article originally appeared on our sister site beijingkids.

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