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Bringing fallen leaves, dark mornings, golden sunsets and a chill to the air, autumn is truly here and the summer days feel like a lifetime away! With the cold weather making an appearance, it’s essential that we are mindful about our health, both physically and mentally. We’ve put together a few tips to help you keep healthy this season

Allergies in the home

Mould:

The symptoms of a mould allergy include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore eyes, a sore throat and a sore nose.Eliminate any damp in your home, targeting areas such as the bathroom, windows and door frames. Keep your bathroom ventilated and clean as mould thrives in moist conditions. Avoid hanging wet clothes over radiators, this can increase humidity levels which again can increase the mould levels in your home.

Dust Mites:

The majority of homes have dust mites present and common symptoms of a dust mite allergy include a runny or blocked nose, sinusitis and wheezing. Wash and clean any soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, your bedding and curtains regularly and use an anti-allergen solution. Use allergy sprays all around your home to stop dust mites spreading and dust your home often.

Exercise and food

Diet

Our food habits change season to season. It’s easy to reach for comfort foods when it’s cold and often people find it hard to maintain their weight or lose weight. During autumn and winter, it’s important to watch what you’re eating and drinking as the more calories you consume the more you should really be burning through exercise.

Boost your immune system

Reduce germs

It may sound obvious but washing your hands regularly is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs and pick up illnesses. Ensure that you wash your hands after using the toilet, coughing, sneezing and handling food. Carrying a hand sanitizer is perfect for when you’re out and about too.

Nutrition

Your diet plays an important role in keeping your immune system healthy as it depends on a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals. Foods such as spinach and kale are rich in vitamin C and can help improve the immune systems defence against illnesses. Meanwhile, white foods such as parsnips, radishes, onions and cauliflowers are high in allicin which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties supporting the lungs and intestine, helping boost your immunity.

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is there for you if you fall ill and during the colder months, it’s important that you do everything to look after your health. At General & Medical, we know the importance of having information at your fingertips which is why when you have a health insurance policy out with us, we’ll give you access to our Health and Wellbeing Services offering a wide range of support including weekly health programs, telephone counselling and life advice. Take a look at our website here and get your free quote to see how little Private Health Insurance could cost you!