The Top Five Things to Do to Improve Your Health This Fall

One of the most important lessons concerning your health is that that the body is ever-changing. Quite literally, the body we had at the beginning of the summer has changed.

Entire organs have regenerated with new cell growth. Variables, many of which we can’t control, such as season, occupation, environment, and activity level all directly affect how our body changes. Thus, in order to attain optimum health we need to recognize these changing needs and adapt accordingly.

With the autumnal equinox fast approaching here are a few simple suggestions of ways to adjust your behavior and lifestyle to better cope with the changing seasons: 

• Eat local, Eat seasonal – As fall approaches you might notice that you are thinking less about fresh green salads and cool juicy watermelons, and more about warm crisp apple pie or caramelized onions with sweet potatoes. As temperatures start to drop, the body starts seeking foods that are both warming and grounding to help it better regulate its own heat. To learn what is in season, and coincidentally what foods are the best sources of energy at this time of year, check out local farm markets. Westwood residents can easily visit the market in Norwood on Tuesdays from 1-6 p.m. (open until Oct. 25) and another in Dedham Square on Wednesdays from 12-6 p.m. (open until Oct. 26). 
• Get Organized – Schedules get hectic with the start of school; take time now to come up with an agreed-upon filing system for your kid’s homework, permission slips, etc. Increase your chance that items get put away by designating a place for everything including lunch pails, gloves, backpacks, art supplies even Band-Aids. Lastly, post a large weekly erasable calendar near the entryway so everyone’s schedule is displayed.
• Air Out – Turn off that energy sucking air conditioner, and open up those windows. Take advantage of those crisp, cool, pollen-free, autumn days and circulate the air in your house. Before you know it you will be sealing it up again for the long cold winter months, so freshen up now. While you are at it, take some time to dust high reaching places that might still be harboring pollen from the spring.
• Drink Tea – As your metabolism slows down with the cooler temperatures, combat fatigue and weakness with warming teas. Try these seasonal favorites: Chai for its high level of antioxidants, Cinnamon to combat fatigue (some also say it is an aphrodisiac) and Echinacea to fight off colds.
• Get Walking – As the days get shorter and nights get cooler, take advantage of that warm autumnal sun midday with a walk. Not only will you get your heart pumping, you’ll also absorb plenty of Vitamin D, and ward of the symptoms of seasonal affect disorder.