Fall health guide: keeping your family safe from colds & flu

As the fall season begins and school routines have resumed, it's inevitable that germs will make their way into our homes, right where we don't want them. While getting sick is a part of life, there are effective ways to minimize the impact on our daily routines. By practicing good hygiene and adopting healthy habits, we can help protect our families from the illnesses that often accompany the colder months.

Practice healthy hand hygiene

"Practicing healthy hand hygiene is crucial to preventing illnesses," said Dr. Amy Seinfeld, DO. "Proper handwashing can prevent one in three diarrhea-related illnesses and one in five respiratory infections." Per the CDC's recommendations wash your hands for at least 15-20 seconds with antibacterial soap to fight off those pesky germs that are found on every surface we touch throughout the day. For youngsters still learning the importance of washing their hands, try having them sing the alphabet song while washing. It's a great technique to fight off those persistent germs while working on memorization.

Stay up to date with vaccinations

Another proven technique to prevent illness is to stay vaccinated. Most schools and childcare facilities require complete vaccination records, but sometimes things can get missed in the back-to-school rush. We know most folks don't care for needles but it is a small price to pay to elevate your immunity system's ability to fight off those troublesome illnesses. Check with your pediatrician or family care physician to ensure you and your children are fully covered this fall. Our flu vaccines have arrived and are available in our Haxtun and Fleming Clinics. Appointments are welcome but not necessary.

Eat a balanced diet

Diet is a crucial factor in our health. "By eating a rainbow of colors, you introduce a myriad of vitamins and minerals to your body that help boost the immune system and fight off illnesses," said Dr. Seinfeld. "Following a healthy diet is the foundation of our nutrition. If we create the groundwork and feed ourselves the proper nutrients, we set ourselves up for success. Our bodies will thank us later!"

Get adequate sleep

Dr. Seinfeld also emphasizes the importance of getting the proper amount of sleep. Depending on their age, children should get between eight to 12 hours of sleep daily. "Adequate sleep is critical for healthy growth and development in children," Seinfeld said. "Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation can negatively affect children's immune systems, contribute to depression and possibly learning difficulties. For adults, getting less than seven hours of sleep a night on a regular basis has been linked with poor health, including weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and depression."

Schedule annual exams

The best way to keep ourselves and our children healthy this fall is to schedule annual exams. Wellness exams are the perfect opportunity for a healthcare provider to monitor your child's development, growth and health each year. These exams are comprehensive and cover both mental and physical health, addressing chronic conditions like allergies and asthma, as well as preventive screenings such as vision and hearing.

It's just as important for adults to care for their health. Your annual exam will screen for various illnesses, diseases and even cancers. The earlier these ailments are identified, the better chance we have of controlling and treating them successfully. Preventive testing and vaccines will also be reviewed during an annual exam.

Get out in front of the sicknesses of fall and schedule a consultation or an annual exam with one of our family care providers to ensure you and your family are fully prepared for the upcoming cold and flu season. Call the Haxtun Health Clinic at (970) 774-6187. Appointments are available in Fleming and Haxtun.