Doctor’s Advice: Embrace Autumn

Autumn is the perfect time to reflect and embrace change.

Doing this can help us modify our lives and find peace and beauty in life itself. Nothing welcomes the season like the leaves changing colors and cooler temperatures.

There are many noteworthy topics observed this month. Some of these themes include breast cancer, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), domestic violence, liver cancer, depression, and mental health.

Many people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the fall. The change in seasons can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm and serotonin levels which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Counseling, exercise, spending more time outdoors (sun light), and/or starting a new hobby can help with SAD. Don’t forget the ‘988’ Suicide and Crisis Lifeline telephone number to connect with trained counselors for people in need.

Some suggestions for staying safe and healthy during autumn include staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and most importantly maintaining a positive state of mind.

Autumn is a good time of year to think about getting your appropriate vaccines for Flu, Covid and/or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). On June 27, 2024, the CDC recommended the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines and the updated 2024-2025 Flu vaccines to protect all eligible people from 6 months of age and older against COVID-19 and Flu this fall and winter.

Fall is also noted for ragweed allergies. Exposure to ragweed can cause several symptoms including sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath. Ragweed allergies can begin near the end of summer and may continue through September and October. Food triggers with a similar protein found in ragweed pollen include bananas, melons, honey, sunflower seeds, and chamomile tea. There are medications that can prevent an allergic reaction such as antihistamines and allergy shots. Speak with your doctor about the best plan for you.

Some environmental issues in the United States and elsewhere are of the utmost concern. These include air pollution, water pollution, water shortages, wildfires, food waste, and plastic pollution. We all need to act to reverse these trends before they become worse. Remember that our health and well-being in the future will be the result of what we do or don’t do now. Let’s continue to improve environmental issues as well as to observe Covid precautions per current CDC recommendations. The Covid numbers are still increasing in some areas. Do not forget proper hand washing, social distancing and masks when appropriate.

The world is an ever-changing place with both positive and negative events going on at the same time. We need to be proactive and improve things wherever we can. We are a strong nation and we will succeed if we put our minds to it. Have a healthy autumn and safe Halloween. Don’t forget to vote in November.

The Parker Family Health Center is putting the finishing touches on our extensive renovation and expansion project. The additional rooms, new second floor, and more comprehensive health services, will help us address the increasing number of patients that come to Parker. If you or someone you know is a Monmouth County resident without health insurance, contact the Parker Family Health Center (732-212-0777) to see how we may help you.

The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.

– Hippocrates

James McGuinness, M.D., is a Family Physician in Middletown, and is the Medical Director Emeritus of the Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank