Welcome Autumn! Cooler temperature will be a welcome change for many. This is a great opportunity to reap the benefits of the seasonal produce, perform a few home safety checks and enjoy outdoors.

The changing season often brings cooler weather and shorter days.  Along with the change, it’s a great time to enjoy seasonal fruit and vegetables in your meal planning, as well as make time for home safety checks.  In this article we’ve highlighted favorite seasonal produce and wellness reminders for you and your home.

Enjoy the Fall Harvest

Fall brings a variety of fresh and healthy produce to the table.  Try new recipes and enjoy the many health benefits of these seasonal items. Here are a few favorites the season will bring.

• Brussels sprouts — Packed with vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin K, brussels sprouts are a great addition to any meal.  Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and strong, healthy bones.  It's considered a low-glycemic vegetable and may help you keep your blood sugar levels stable.

• Pears — This sweet and juicy fruit can be eaten as a snack or included with a meal.   Packed full of fiber, they help reduce inflammation and promote gut and heart health.    

• Winter squash — The seasons best includes pumpkin, acorn and butternut squash. These foods are packed with vitamins and minerals. They’re rich in potassium, Vitamin C and fiber linked to benefitting heart health. In addition, its beta-carotene content provides your body with necessary vitamin A. Vitamin A can boost your immune system. 

• Sweet potatoes — Rich in antioxidant known as beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium and high in fiber. Sweet potatoes are delicious and can be eaten boiled, baked, steamed or fried.

• Apples — Full of fiber and a welcome variety offer a nutritious treat which will keep you satisfied and a great addition to any meal. Enjoy a freshly sliced apple, or try your hand at homemade apple sauce, apple butter or apple crisp. 

As you enjoy all that the fall harvest will bring, it’s also a great opportunity to give your home a wellness check.

Medicine Cabinets

Discard prescriptions and over the counter medicine with expired dates. Of course, you want to replenish the items you may need to chase away a headache and or a common cold.

When discarding prescription medicine, consider the recommendation on medication disposal from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You may also consult with your pharmacist.

Potential Hazards

Autumn brings about Daylight Saving Time. Day Light Savings ends every year on the first Sunday in November. As our days get shorter it will get darker sooner. Be mindful when driving as recommended by the National Safety Council on how to stay safe and alert.

Falling leaves from trees, wind, and rain can become slippery and hazardous which may lead to falls and injuries. Keep your walkways and steps cleared and free from leaves, limbs and other possible debris to help prevent serious injury.

Check your outdoor lighting along walkways and entry points to ensure they’re in working order. If you have motion sensor lights, confirm the timer is in working order and correctly set. Exterior lighting will help reduce outside mishaps such as falls.

In addition to outside inspection, take time to walk through your home to ensure there are no tripping hazards from curled area rug to your pets’ favorite toy. Taking steps to inspect your home common areas and hallways is a simple way to prevent falls and avoid injuries.

Overall Wellness

Dress Appropriately

The cooler weather often brings a chill to the air, so it's important to keep them warm. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable. Therefore, bring a sweater or light jacket as you head outdoors to enjoy your daily stroll outdoors.  

Stay Active  

No matter your abilities staying active will yield many benefits. Here are a few activities to keep you moving.

• Apple picking uses many muscle groups from climbing a latter to pulling apples and walking the orchard rows.
• Take daily walks with family and friends. This is a low impact and a great social activity.
• Tackle yard work. From raking leaves to picking up limbs, it helps build upper body strength and an opportunity to get outdoors.

Practice Good Hygiene

 This is likely a common practice for many, though a gentle reminder will do no harm. Good hygiene will help prevent the spread of germs. The simple act of hand washing does wonders in preventing the spread of germs. As you enter your home from the outdoors, prior to prepping meals and or playing with your pet, hand washing for 20 seconds is a good practice.

Here are few tips from the CDC on good hygiene etiquette.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Safely distance yourself from others to avoid the spread of germs.
• If you don’ feel well, stay home.        

With the season transitioning from summer to fall, the cooler temperature will be a welcome change. This is a great opportunity to reap the benefits of the seasonal produce, perform a few home safety checks and enjoy time outdoors.

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