Welcome to the Septemberedition of your HealthEzine, back to routineand all the pensive sadness with no obvious cause that this transition season brings, I think it's called melancholy but hey hoit's a good time to to start a new hobby or activity or just drink more wine!!!
While the temperature has dipped, you can notice it when you get into the car in the morning, the weather is still lovely, so keep out and about and if you like a bit of hillwalking why not take a wee trip to Fermanagh to the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail,worth a trip!
The season has changed and this can deplete your immune systemso this months focus is on dealing with stuff so with the young uns back at school your guaranteed coughsand coldswhich is why the Health Ezine's wee giftthis month might come in handy!
With the more relaxed carefree attitudesof summer a distant memory, can the more serious energies associated with autumn and the looming autumn equinox effect your health? (thoughtful pause!)
Autumn is a good time to be mindful, to let go of stuff we may be holding on to so we can move on, de-clutterand generate a bit of headspace. In Chinese medicine, autumn is associated with the lungs and the energy of the lungs is "letting go" and the emotion of the lungs is sadness so back to a brisk walkand filling those lungs with clean air! Check out 5 Weird Ways The Weather Changes You!Ooh La La! so do French people really use this expression!
Now as we approach Autumn don't be tempted to skip breakfast for a wee bit longer in bed as breakfast skippersare more likely to suffer from respiratory infections and try to use seasonal ingredients and brightly coloured fruit & vegetables to boost your immune system.
Autumn months, prime time for head lice,ooohhh I even squirm at saying it! and most cases of lice are in Augustand September.
Lice which lay eggs, known as nits - are parasitic insectsthat are found on the head, eyebrowsor eyelashes, (your ok if you have fake eyelashes)!
The insects feed on human bloodseveral times a day!. While they’re most common in children, adultsare also at risk of an infestation. Head Licedon't hop, jump or flyso how can the insectsbe spread from personto person?
Head lice don'thave anything to do with dirty hairbut should be treated as soon as you spot them and everyone in the houseshould be treated on the same day as they feast on your scalp, taking a blood meal!But are head lice becoming harder to kill?
After a fantastic summer and a good auld top upof vitamin D, the foundation for good health, which we mainly get from sunshinebut as we are now officially in Autumn, it's time to think about health preparationfor the colder months.
And keep hydrated, it's easy to drink water in summer but try to continue into autumn and if it's too cold switch to herbal teas!
Another tip, use a squeeze of lemonto elevate the flavour of your food, it adds a litle zing and is compatible with most dishes, the vitamin C in lemons is linked to immunity strengthening and the scent of lemon is one of the "happiest" scents on the planet, it's known to induce a feeling of "well" and comfort!!
Also try to keep the lymph system moving as it is important to our immune systemand as we need muscle to squeeze it into action, back to the brisk walk!!! another way to recharge your immune systemis by getting in a few more zzzzz!!!! as our body is busy cleansingand repairingwhile we sleep.
It's no secret that movement keeps us well, mobile and independentand keeping physically activeis linked to good mental wellbeing. I don't mean sweating it out in the gym but try to build someexercise into your daily life, getting out the doorfor a walk is the hardest part.
Exercise can cause chemical changesin the brainwhich can help to positively change our mood and is thought to improve self-esteem, self-controland the ability to rise to a challenge, what are you waiting for?, MOVE and Autumn is a great time to start a fitness routine, 'cause Christmas is really just around the corner! C'mon don't let sitting at your desk kill you! -5 easy ways to keep moving at your desk! and as the song goes "It's my Life, I just want to live when I'm alive"who had a hit with this? Prize for first person down/overwith band name!!!
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