Saying Goodbye to Summer: Health Tips for Transitional Weather

Supporting Your Health as the Seasons Change

With the summer months coming to an end, it's essential to take extra care of your body as we prepare for the season ahead. The health experts at St. John’s share some tips to help you to support your overall health and wellness during this seasonal shift.

Keep Up With Preventative Care

While many people find themselves heading to their doctor;s office when they think something may be wrong, it’s also important to see your primary care provider regularly for check-ups. Not only does this help your doctor to ensure you’re healthy, it can help them to know what is normal for you and your body and what may be a cause for concern.

Annual Physicals

During your physical exam, it’s normal for your doctor to perform to following tests:

• Check your respiratory rate
• Check your blood pressure
• Monitor your heart rate
• Check your eyes, nose, ears, and throat
• Check your body for lumps, bumps, and other abnormalities
• Tapping your abdomen to check organ placement

Knowing Your Health Risks

When it comes to your risk of developing certain health issues and chronic conditions, there are a number of factors that can increase those chances. When your doctor has a well-rounded view of your health and your family history, this can help them to advise which preventative care options may be right for you.

Factors that can affect your risk of developing certain health issues include:

• Age
• Gender
• Family history
• Genetics
• Your diet
• Your activity levels
• Your BMI

Routine Health Screenings

When it comes to effectively treating chronic health conditions, early detection is key. Depending on your individual health risks, your doctor may screen you for some of the following health issues:

• Issues affecting organ function

• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Cervical cancer
• STDs and STIs

Recommended Immunizations

Along with eating a balanced diet and leading a physically active lifestyle, staying up-to-date on your vaccines is an important step when it comes to supporting your health and wellness. Getting the recommended vaccines for your age group can help to protect you and the members of your community from getting seriously ill.

It is recommend that every adult should get the following vaccines, regardless of age:

• The seasonal flu vaccine
• Td or Tdap (tetanus shot)

Young adults up to the age of 26 should get the HPV vaccine.

Adults over 50 should get the following vaccines:

• Shingles vaccine
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)

If you’re unsure about whether or not you’re up-to-date on your immunizations, be sure to reach out to your primary care provider.

Continue Protecting Your Skin

Although the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are beginning to decline, the potential for getting sunburnt persists. With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is important not only in the summer months, but year-round.

As members of the active Jackson community continue hitting their favorite trails and spending time outdoors during the late summer and early fall, here are some tips to help prevent skin damage:

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Make sure your sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or higher
• Pay attention to your area’s UV Index
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection
• Wear sleeves and pants
• Wear brimmed hats

Address Seasonal Allergens

While environmental allergies can strike during any time of the year, many people experience a spike in their symptoms when there is a seasonal shift. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can minimize your exposure to environmental allergens, keeping your symptoms to a minimum:

• Vacuum and dust your home weekly
• Clean your air ducts
• Change your air filters
• Wash your sheets, blankets, and curtains regularly
• Keep pets off of furniture
• Bathe your pets bi-weekly
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
• Keep windows closed when you can
• Check your local pollen count
• Clean your kitchen and bathroom often

Prevent Foodbourne Illness

After consuming contaminated food or drinks, you may be plagued with the familiar uncomfortable symptoms of food poisoning that can range from mild to severe. Fortunately, this uncomfortable condition is completely preventable.

As the summertime winds down, there are plenty of bonfires, barbecues, and social gatherings ahead, making it essential to do your part in warding off germs and bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking them.
• Wipe down and disinfect countertops and utensils
• Wash your hands frequently
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables before peeling, cutting, or cooking
• Keep raw meats, seafood, poultry, and eggs separate from other foods
• Only keep leftovers for 2-3 days

Stay Safe When Hiking & Nature Walking

As we prepare for the fall weather ahead, members of the Jackson community continue hitting their favorite nature trails to stay active. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or you’re just heading out for some afternoon fun, it’s important to do what you can to stay safe and prepared when spending time out in nature.

Some tips to follow as you prepare for your hike include:

• Always prepare an emergency plan
• Pack water, snacks, and other essentials
• Bring a portable battery and a phone charger
• Dress for your activity and the weather
• Always stay on the trail
• Download the Backcountry SOS App

If you have additional questions about how you can look after you and your family’s health this fall, reach out to your primary care doctor to make sure you're on the right track.

Family Care in Jackson, Wilson, and Teton County

From family medicine to internal medicine, our Primary Care Providers (PCP) are here to openly listen to your concerns and work with you to achieve overall better health and wellness. Visit our website to see the types of primary care we provide or to find a doctor, today!