As the leaves change color and a gentle autumn breeze fills the air, it’s time for families everywhere to transition into the beauty and challenges of the fall season. Alongside the cozy sweaters and pumpkin-spiced delights, autumn also brings unique health considerations, especially for families with little ones who have recently gone back to school. But fret not! There are ways you can navigate the fall months that will help keep your family as healthy as possible. Let’s explore some of our favorite tips together.Â
The Seasonal Challenges of Fall
The arrival of fall ushers in a seasonal transition that comes with its own set of unique challenges for your overall health and well-being. As the temperatures fluctuate and the air becomes crisper, it’s essential to be aware of these seasonal shifts so you are prepared to address them appropriately.Â
Weakened Immune SystemÂ
One of the most notable changes during the fall season is the seemingly increased vulnerability of your immune system. The cooler weather that accompanies fall and winter often brings a number of changes to our environment and lifestyles that directly impact our immune systems. Here are just a few of those seasonal changes:Â
- Increased Time Spent Indoors: The shorter days and colder weather encourage people to spend more time indoors, which is where certain airborne pathogens are able to spread from person to person more easily.Â
- Cold, Dry Air: Certain types of pathogens have been found to live longer in cooler temperatures and lower levels of humidity that come with the arrival of the fall and winter seasons.Â
- Less Sunlight: Our exposure to the sun is of the utmost importance when it comes to maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D, which is a vital nutrient for the immune system. Fewer daylight hours combined with colder weather that keeps us indoors naturally leads to a decrease in the vitamin D we are getting every day.
- A More Vulnerable Immune System: Scientists have also recently discovered that cold temperatures may make the immune system more susceptible, especially when it comes to the pathogen-fighting powers of the nose. As a potential point of entry for pathogens, your nose has many tools to help fight off these invaders before they can do any harm; however, researchers have found that even a slight drop in the internal temperature of your nose can significantly disable many of these powers, leaving your system more vulnerable than you may realize. Â
Skin, Eye, and Lip Troubles
The shift in weather can also take a toll on your skin, eyes, and lips. As the air becomes drier and the temperatures drop, your skin is prone to dryness, making regular moisturizing a necessity. To make matters worse, the cold weather can make a long, hot shower sound tempting, but indulging in this seemingly harmless activity can actually make matters worse by pulling even more moisture from your skin. Additionally, the dry air conditions we often experience during these colder months can lead to discomforts like chapped lips and dry, itchy eyes.Â
Weight Management Challenges
Fall and winter months often coincide with increased weight gain. The weather tends to stimulate cravings for comfort foods, and the abundance of holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas encourages the consumption of carbs and indulgent treats. This seasonal change can result in more challenges when it comes to managing your weight.Â
Altered Heart Rate
Colder temperatures have a slight impact on your cardiovascular system. During the fall and winter months, you may notice your heart rate increasing as a response to the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, prompting your heart to work harder to maintain regular blood flow. While this is generally not an issue for healthy individuals, it can pose additional challenges for those who are already facing cardiovascular-related health concerns.Â
Heightened Stress Levels
As you start planning for festivities, paying closer attention to your finances, planning time off work, preparing to host friends and family, and generally preparing for the upcoming holiday season, you may notice an increase in your stress levels. These worries are more common than you might think, and since stress can wreak havoc on your body, it’s important to find ways to manage and alleviate these feelings. Â
Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy This Fall
As the fall season unfolds, it’s crucial to prioritize your family’s health and well-being. With a few mindful practices, you can ensure everyone stays healthy and happy so you can all enjoy this beautiful season.Â
1. Eat Nutritious Meals
In order to provide your immune system with the extra support it needs, opt for nutrient-rich foods, including an abundance of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and items rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporate plenty of fiber to promote a healthy gut, and seek out seasonal produce from local farmers to ensure your meals are packed with the natural goodness that will help nourish your immune system.Â
2. Embrace Hygiene Habits
While cooler weather might tempt you to take fewer baths to conserve warmth, maintaining good hygiene is vital to your health and well-being. Short, warm showers followed by moisturizing can keep your skin in top condition. Regular hand-washing and proper dental care are equally important, serving as lines of defense for your immune system.Â
3. Manage Stress
Fall and the impending holiday season are annual occurrences, making it essential to find ways to effectively manage the stress that they bring. Incorporate activities like daily meditation and deep breathing exercises into your daily routine as a way to bring your stress levels down. Dedicating as little as 5 to 10 minutes to finding a quiet space to breathe and center yourself can make a world of difference. When you feel stress starting to surge, be intentional about taking a step back from the situation and giving yourself time to regain composure. Chronic stress can impact your gut health, cognitive function, sleep patterns, and strength of your immune system, so it’s crucial to be proactive about addressing it.Â
4. Stay Cozy and WarmÂ
While it may seem obvious, dressing warmly when the weather is cold holds significant health benefits. Beyond keeping you comfortable, it also shields your skin from the drying effects of cold, dry air. What’s more? Dressing warmly can also aid in maintaining optimal blood flow and maintaining the ideal internal body temperature that your immune system needs in order to function optimally.Â
5. Explore Whole-Food Supplements
To maintain nutrient levels and bolster your family’s immunity, consider finding a whole-food immune-supporting supplement to add to your household daily routine. These supplements are designed to provide your immune system with an array of vital nutrients that it can use to fuel its natural defense mechanisms and keep you feeling your best. By using one that is made with natural ingredients and certified safe, you can rest assured that you are providing your family with everything they need to keep them feeling their best throughout the fall and winter seasons.Â
6. Conduct Wellness Check-Ins
Extend your care beyond yourself this season and make time to check in on your family and friends as well. Begin with those you share your home with, checking in on your spouse or partner and offering assistance if needed. Keep an eye on your children to ensure they are practicing proper hygiene and navigating the change of seasons in a manner that will support their overall health. For older relatives who may live alone, make it a point to drop in or make wellness check-in calls to provide companionship and support. These gestures are particularly meaningful and a simple way to support the mental, emotional, and social health of both yourself and those you love.Â
7. Embrace the Joy of the Season
Lastly, make the most of the season by embracing its inherent joy, happiness, and family time. Live in the present, allowing worries to fade into the background. Create new and cherished memories with your loved ones, whether indoors or outdoors. Strive to adopt habits that support your overall health and explore creative ways to celebrate all that these beautiful seasons have to offer.Â
Defend Your Family’s Health This Fall
As you prioritize the health and well-being of yourself and your family this fall, consider taking your efforts one step further with an immune-supporting product like Defend from New Earth.Â
This natural, whole-food supplement contains powerful immune-boosting ingredients like medicinal mushrooms, beta-glucan, and organic Wild MicroalgaeTM to help nourish and support the health of your entire family.Â
The best part? You can put it to the test risk-free with our 60-day money-back guarantee.