Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. While most are glad that the cold winter months are beginning to fade, it is important to remember some of the health-related challenges associated with the changing seasons and how to tackle them.
First comes the leap forward when daylight savings time begins again, then seasonal allergies and, finally, shaking off the inertia that set in over the winter.
Dealing with Daylight Savings Time.
Daylight Savings Time (DST) will begin on Sunday, March 8th and it can throw off even the most regimented schedule. SOMOS wants to help by offering a few simple tips so that the time change can be dealt with easily.
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Start Earlier. By starting your nighttime routine 15 minutes earlier in the days leading up to the change, your body will ease into it instead of trying to change all at once.
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Take advantage of the longer evenings. The entire point of DST is to have more daylight so get out and enjoy the evening! Take a walk, go to the park or get together with a friend for dinner.
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Don’t forget to exercise. The extra daylight is great but if you stay inside and watch TV then it won’t do you much good.
Seasonal Allergies.
Springtime allergies share some of the same symptoms as the common cold and it can be hard to tell the difference. Both colds and allergies cause sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose. But there are some major differences in symptoms to help you determine what you’re experiencing. Fevers or aches and pains are usually cold symptoms, while itchy eyes are unique to allergies. Colds tend to last ten days or less where allergies can persist for weeks. If you have had allergies in the spring before, don’t wait to take over-the-counter medication for them like Claritin. If you don’t know which it is, feel free to call a SOMOS provider, we’re happy to help you figure it out.
Shake Off the Inertia.
Over the winter it’s easy to “hibernate”, but now, that time is over. Many people enjoy staying in during the winter, especially in the city. It’s often cold, wet, dark and generally unpleasant to be outside but those excuses are melting away each day. Let the warmer weather motivate you to get outside and meet up with friends that you may not have seen in a while or consider planning a picnic with your family one evening. Whatever activity you choose, it is important to get out and be active.
From everyone at SOMOS, have a happy Spring and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you think you might need an appointment.