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Nov 03
2016

This time of year, we are all craving the same things: hearty soups, desserts, and hot cocoa. Preferably to be enjoyed while we are sitting on the sofa, wrapped in our most comfortable blankets and indulging in our favorite TV shows. It’s easy to trade all of our healthy summer activities for the cozy indoors, but it doesn’t have to be this way!

Here are our top tips to help you have a healthy fall season:

Take Up Hiking

During the summers, the Arizona heat can often make it hard to enjoy our beautiful nature. As temperatures start to cool off, it’s easier to enjoy outdoor activities – and luckily for us, the Phoenix area is home to hundreds of amazing hikes that are suitable for all skill levels. From Papago Park to Camelback Mountain, there is a route that is perfect for you! Thrillist recommends these eight hikes to get you outside and on your way to a healthy fall season!

Eat More Pumpkins

The great thing about fall is that there are pumpkins everywhere. However  this gourd is great for more than decorations and pies – it’s also packed full of vitamins A and C, which makes it an excellent addition to your healthy fall dinner plate! Unfortunately, your pumpkin spice latte doesn’t count. You can get started with these 21 Smashing Pumpkin Recipes from Serious Eats.

Hand Picked Related Content: How to Avoid Holiday Aches and Pains

Get Your Flu Shot

The weather is changing, which means that flu season is just around the corner. The flu can knock you off your feet for more than a week. The best way to guarantee a healthy fall season is to get your flu shot – and get it early, because it can take up to two weeks for protection to set in. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six  months and older, so be sure to get your family vaccinated now!

Get Enough Sleep

According to a study conducted by Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the average adult sleeps up to 2.7 additional hours per night in autumn. This has a lot to do with the amount of sunlight outside – but even in Arizona, where sunshine reigns all year long, the changing seasons can mean that your body requires more sleep than usual. Create a healthy fall routine by getting to bed earlier than you do in the summer, and giving your body plenty of time to adjust to the dynamic  weather.

Are you changing up your health and fitness routine this fall? Have you noticed a difference in your energy levels? Let us know what you’re doing!

If you want to enjoy an active, pain-free lifestyle, schedule an appointment at Above & Beyond Physical Therapy today. We offer a wide variety of physical therapy services for people of all ages and fitness levels. Come in for a complimentary screening to find out if physical therapy is the best option for you!