~~From the desk of Ann Arbor Chiropractor Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.

Fall is here, days are getting shorter weather is getting, the anticipation of winter is in the air and of course the holiday season is upon us. This means that many will reduce the amount of exercise from what they get during the warmer months, people will not be eating as well and of course flu season is just beginning to pick up steam. This all means people in general  will be sick more often during the fall and winter months. So, here are some ideas to avoid fall and winter illness.

Don't slow down your exercise routine because the weather is cooler. Join a gym if you need to. Make sure you continue to have regular cardio and weight bearing exercise. You should get at least 30 minuets of cardio and plenty of weight bearing exercise four times a week. This should continue through the fall and winter months.

Even with the holidays in tow make sure you maintain a healthy diet. One that needs to include consumption of plenty of fruits and vegetables (should be a major part of your diet) and avoiding simple sugars and other carbohydrates. Drink plenty of water. Avoid consumption of too much alcohol.

Get outside in the sun. Sun light is good for many reasons. One of the main ones is it helps the body produce vitamin D which is a must in maintaining your health (including your mental health).

Get plenty of sleep. As the seasons change the bodies bio rhythms and your daily routine often change, this can effect your sleep pattern which can negatively impact your health.

Regularly see a chiropractor as it has been shown that chiropractic can help strengthen and maintain your immune system. Also, if you fall or slip because of water or ice on the ground see a chiropractor to make sure your bones are in proper alignment. Properly aligned bones, especially those of the spine, will help you maintain your health and keep you out of pain. Here, chiropractors can be especially helpful in the fall and winter months.

If you have any questions about this blog post, chiropractic, back pain, neck pain, headaches or tingling numbness in your arms or legs I can be reached at my Ann Arbor chiropractic office at [email protected]