Start the season feeling your best.
Fall is around the corner, bringing cooler temperatures, back-to-school routines, holiday gatherings and cold and flu season. Here are five simple steps to help you and your family stay healthy through the busy months ahead.
Get vaccinated
Be ready for the coughs and sniffles that come with cooler weather, kids heading back to school and holiday gatherings. Annual flu shots are available starting in mid- to late October and are covered with a $0 co-pay. Get yours at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy.
Boost your immunity
Building a strong immune system is built through healthy daily habits. You can’t magically boost your immunity overnight, but eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and taking vitamins if recommended can all help your body’s natural defenses work at their best.
Prioritize sleep
One of the best ways to manage back-to-school and holiday stress is to make sure you get enough sleep. Quality sleep can help you solve problems, think clearer, and make better decisions. Prioritizing sleep means aiming for eight hours of sleep, having a wind down routine that doesn’t involve screens, and avoiding caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and heavy meals before bed.
Have an established primary care doctor
Choosing a primary care doctor before you are sick can help you get an appointment faster—and be seen by someone who already knows your health history. Most doctors also offer online messaging and virtual care visits for established patients.
Schedule annual visits now
Haven’t scheduled your well-adult visit yet? Does your child need a doctor’s sign off before joining a sports team? Getting those appointments scheduled now can give you more flexibility to choose a day and time that works best for your schedule—and helps you avoid long waits when you need care. Find a provider.