The autumn months are upon us! As we enter the season of fall leaves, football, and all things pumpkin, we want to remind you about the importance of staying healthy this season. Between the coronavirus, seasonal allergies, the common cold, and flu season, this year it is especially important to practice preventative medicine to keep yourself in optimal health.

What is preventative medicine?

When practicing preventative medicine, we strive to better your health to prevent illness before it occurs. Most preventative medicine involves protecting and maintaining health while promoting your overall health and wellbeing. In addition to avoiding the occasional sickness, this approach can also help to reduce the risk of disease, disability, and even death in some cases. We encourage all of our patients to practice preventative medicine to promote good public health in our community.

Some of the most notable preventative medicine practices include eating a healthy diet, staying active, limiting alcohol and tobacco usage, and screening for diseases. Consuming healthy foods and exercising regularly can build a strong immune system, but also help prevent obesity, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and other disease-causing health factors.

Regardless of your current health status, you should always maintain screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and various types of cancer. Early detection is essential to the timely and effective treatment of a variety of diseases, so we encourage testing on a regular basis.

What other preventative measures can I take to stay healthy this season?

• Get vaccinated. We strongly urge our patients to keep vaccinations up-to-date and to receive a flu shot each season. It is important to note that last year’s vaccination may not suffice for this year’s virus. Talk to your doctor about vaccination frequency, locations, and benefits so you can best prepare yourself and your family this season.
• Wear a mask in public places. This is an added preventative measure to take this season as we continue to navigate the evolving coronavirus. Do your part in preserving public health by wearing a mask in public places where you may be unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. Practice social distancing and stay home when possible.
• Wash your hands. This is probably the most simple, yet important step you can take to stay healthy this season. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap, especially after sneezing, coughing, or being in a public place. Additionally, disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly to prevent the spread of disease.

For more information about preventative medicine or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. We would love to help you and your family experience a happy, healthy fall and winter season!