Fall health tips

The calendar may still say summer but this is the perfect
time to prep for fall health. Family physician Dr. Joshua
Tepper says, the few weeks before school should be used to
make sure all of your families immunizations are up to date.
It's good to make an appointment with your family doctor or your primary caregiver
and see if there are any boosters that are due or any routine immunizations that you need.
And even for adults as well.
For anyone with food allergies, it's critical to check the expiry date on your EpiPen
and ask for any necessary medication refills before schedules
get busy. And that includes anything you need for fall allergies.
And there is great symptom control for runny eyes and
sore throat, so really no need to suffer but again
it's good to get advice even on over the counter medications from a pharmacist
or a health care provider. Fall is also a time
when asthma can become out of control thanks to relaxed routines
over the summer and the start of cold and flu season. Dr. Tepper
advises to make sure it's managed well now before heading into
September. Beyond the physical, he says to consider your families
emotional wellbeing. Back to school and busy work schedules
can take their emotional toll. See how the kids are feeling
and see how you're feeling heading back in maybe from vacation and
just exploring any concerns that may be on the table.
And many people know, September marks the comeback of the cough.
And of course going back into school and going back into
work, that's more contact with others so good handwashing, covering your mouth
when you sneeze or cough.
And while beach weather will soon be a distant memory, Dr. Tepper says applying
sunscreen shouldn't be. Ultraviolet rays remain potent
through all the seasons, so make sure sunscreen is a year-long
ritual. With Sunnyview, I'm Monica Matys.