September brings cooler weather, busier schedules, and the start of a new season. It’s also a great time to check in on some of the healthy habits that may have slipped during the summer.
You don’t need to completely overhaul your routine. A few simple, consistent choices can help support your health and well-being as we head into fall.
Preventive Care & Staying Healthy
Fall is a good time to focus on preventive care and prepare for the months ahead.
Review your vaccines. Seasonal and routine vaccine recommendations can depend on your age, health history, and what you’ve already received. Your pharmacist can help review your vaccination history and determine which vaccines may be appropriate for you.
Wash your hands often. Regular handwashing can help reduce the spread of germs. Wash your hands before eating, after being in public places, and whenever they’re visibly dirty. It’s also a good idea to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Keep drinking water. Cooler temperatures don’t mean hydration becomes less important. Continue drinking fluids throughout the day, especially when you’re active or spending time outdoors.
Give Your Medicine Cabinet a Fall Checkup
While you’re resetting other routines, take a few minutes to look through the medications and health supplies you keep at home.
Check expiration dates, make sure your regular prescriptions have refills remaining, and consider whether you have the basics you may need for common fall concerns like allergies, coughs, colds, fever, or minor aches and pains.
If you find an expired medication, don’t automatically throw it in the trash or flush it. Ask us about appropriate medication disposal options.
And before stocking up on over-the-counter medications, remember that not every product is appropriate for everyone. Some OTC medications can interact with prescriptions or may not be recommended with certain health conditions.
Not sure what to keep on hand? Ask us. We can help you choose products that make sense for you and your family.
Enjoy the Foods Fall Has to Offer
Fall brings plenty of nutritious, and delicious, foods to the table.
Apples, pears, pumpkin, squash, and sweet potatoes are all easy additions to meals and snacks. Many Fall fruits and vegetables also provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber as part of a balanced diet.
As temperatures cool, try incorporating hearty soups, broths, roasted vegetables, and other warm meals that make it easy to include nutrient-rich ingredients.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by adding more whole foods and produce to meals you already enjoy.
Take Advantage of Cooler Weather
Staying active is important year-round, and September can bring some great opportunities to get outside.
You don’t need an intense workout routine to benefit from movement. A walk after dinner, yard work, playing outside with the kids, or another activity you enjoy all count.
The best kind of physical activity is often the kind you’ll actually continue doing.
Reset Your Sleep Routine
Busier fall schedules can make consistent sleep even more important.
Most adults should aim for around 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time each day can help your body maintain a consistent routine.
As daylight hours begin to change, spending some time outside during the morning or daytime can also help support your body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm.
And don’t forget about your bedtime routine. Reducing screen time before bed, keeping your bedroom comfortable, and giving yourself time to wind down can all help set the stage for better sleep.
Make Time for Your Mental Well-Being
As schedules get busier and daylight begins to change, remember to make time for your mental well-being, too.
Stay connected with friends, family, and your community. Make time for conversations, hobbies, activities, or simply being around the people who help you feel your best.
Taking care of your health isn’t just about what you eat or how much you exercise. Your emotional well-being matters, too.
Make September a Fresh Start
Fall is a great opportunity to check in on your health and establish routines that can carry you through the coming months.
Focus on preventive care, enjoy nutritious seasonal foods, stay active, get enough sleep, check your medicine cabinet, and make time for the people and activities that help you feel connected.
And remember, your pharmacist is part of your healthcare team. Whether you have questions about vaccines, prescription refills, over-the-counter products, supplements, or preparing your medicine cabinet for fall, the team at Cushing Family Pharmacy is here to help.
Small, consistent healthy choices can make a big difference. Here’s to starting fall feeling your best!