Once the warm weather turns cold and more time is spent indoors, the importance of good health is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Whether it’s covering a sneeze, washing your hands more frequently, or going in for a check-up, this is the time of year to take stock of your health.
Importance of the Flu Shot
Did you remember to get your flu shot? Though most doctors recommend getting the shot by the end of October, it’s not too late! The effectiveness of the shot depends on your exposure to the flu virus, so the earlier the prevention starts, the better. Flu shots are a yearly requirement for two reasons: The first is that the body’s reaction and response to infection slows over time, making a yearly boost necessary. The second is that the strain of the flu and its components change over time. The yearly flu shot is altered to combat the newest strain. Because of the changing virus, the effectiveness of the flu shot does vary from year to year and person to person. Regardless, everyone should get the flu shot unless they are allergic to a component of the vaccine or have Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Those who are over the age of 50 are especially recommended to get the shot.
Importance of a Yearly Physical
Having a Primary Care Physician is one of the basic building blocks of good health because the established relationship gives doctors a benchmark for your health. Seeing the same doctor year-to-year sets you on the path to prevention and effective treatment. During a check-up, your physician can test for high blood pressure, certain cancers, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are some of the largest causes of death in America. They can cross-check your provided family history and provide the proper screenings and treatment necessary.
Importance of a Hearing Check-up
Just like a physician can keep your body in peak condition, an audiologist can keep your hearing strong and prevent future hearing loss. If you think you are experiencing hearing loss but are too nervous to visit an audiologist, you can start off with an online hearing test. These tests require only a pair of headphones and ten minutes, and the results show you frequency and volumes you may be missing. Armed with these results, an audiologist can then perform a more in depth test and provide an audiogram should you need hearing aids. Once you have hearing aids, your needs may change over time, so a yearly visit to your audiologist should be planned.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
When you start to feel under the weather, remember to sleep more than you usually would, wash your hands more frequently, and maybe even go to a sauna to sweat out toxins and relax. Herbal teas can also help with health. Lemon and chamomile are relaxing and can help with sleep and anxiety, while green tea can provide helpful antioxidants in the body. Vitamins C and D can also help your body fight off a cold.