The calendar has flipped from August to September, meaning that fall is right around the corner. This season of transition brings back to school excitement, turning leaves, and cooler temperatures. It also generally brings more illnesses as people retreat indoors. Here are a few proven tips to help you and your family have the healthiest fall ever.

Vax Up

It goes without saying that the COVID-19 virus is here to stay. It is more important than ever to get the vaccination if you have not already done so. Speaking to your personal physician will help to alleviate your concerns so that you can make the best decision for your health. Boosters will also be available soon to those who have already received their shot.

This is also the time of the year to get a flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine is the best step that you can take to protect yourself from this miserable virus. You should be intentional about getting this shot prior to flu season begins, usually in the late fall. Preventative measures such as vaccines can go a long way in helping you to stay healthy this fall.

Get Outside

The fall is also a great time to spend more time in the great outdoors. With the heat and humidity finally breaking, this is a good opportunity to get outside. In addition to the moderate temperatures, you will enjoy the splendor of the changing leaves and all of the beauty of the season before winter sets in. Getting fresh air will naturally improve your mood while also boosting your immune system. You will get bonus points for your overall health if you exercise during this time outdoors.

Lean on Seasonal Produce

There is a bounty of delicious and healthy produce that is in season during the fall. Fall vegetables include squash, beets, cabbage, kale, and eggplant. Do not limit your pumpkin usage to simply carving them on Halloween. This vegetable is rich in vitamin A and beta carotene.

The autumn season is also rich in an abundance of fresh fruit. Seasonal fruits that are widely available and inexpensive during this time of the year are apples, pears, and cranberries. This is the perfect time to make a healthy apple crisp to enjoy the best tastes of the season.

Watch the Holidays

Overeating is just not a concern during the winter holidays. The fall season is also full of potential pitfalls that may derail your nutritional plan. Halloween is the first roadblock that you need to be aware of. Do yourself a favor and wait to buy that Halloween candy until the last possible minute so that you are not tempted to eat it in the days leading up to the holiday.

Thanksgiving can also be a potential stumbling block for those watching what they eat. Good ideas to control your caloric intake include choosing white meat over dark meat, prioritizing protein over carb-heavy side dishes, loading up your plate with vegetables, and indulging in only one piece of dessert rather than trying a bit of everything on the table.

Practice Good Personal Hygiene

Now is not the time to put the brakes on being hyper-vigilant about practicing good personal hygiene. The COVID-19 virus is spreading more easily than ever before because of the Delta variant. This combined with the onset of cold and flu season coming up means that germs are everywhere. While you cannot protect yourself entirely, you can mitigate the chance of illness by washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask when in public indoor areas.

Count Your Blessings and Give Back

The time surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday and the weeks leading up to the winter holidays make it an ideal time to count your blessings and to give back to others. Practicing intentional gratitude will improve your mental and emotional health. You will also enjoy a boost by giving back to others. There are countless ways to give back both financially and with your time during this time of the year.

These tips will help you to stay healthy so that you can enjoy all of the gifts of this season.