Hello, and welcome back to our blog here at Stockton Cardiology. It’s that time of year again! Leaves are falling, colors are changing, and the weather is finally starting to cool down a bit. As we start to shift our focus to seasonal activities like a trip to the pumpkin patch or preparing this year’s Halloween costume, it’s important to remember our heart health this time of year. If you have any questions or you want to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, contact Stockton Cardiology today. Otherwise, read on to learn more about heart health this fall.

Stay Active

Oftentimes, one of the biggest problems with the change of seasons is that it causes us to go into a sort of hibernation state. In the summer, we tend to get ourselves outside and active more in order to avoid the hot and stuffy indoor atmosphere, whereas in fall, we’re more likely to settle in to our homes and snuggle up with a blanket and a nice book. However, your health doesn’t wait for next summer. Make sure you’re staying active like you would during the summer.

Eat Right

It may be tempting to reach for that pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin pie this time of year, but if you really want to put your heart health first, it’s best to seek out other great seasonal recipes to enjoy. In and of themselves, pumpkins are a very healthy fruit. However, many seasonal pumpkin recipes have lots of added sugar, starch, and other unhealthy ingredients that could put you behind on your heart-healthy routine. Try doing all your own cooking this fall so that you know what you’re eating.

Stay Hydrated

Along with staying active, our hydration seems to be something we slack on with the change of season. Many areas across the United States experienced extreme heat waves this summer, so many of us boosted our water intake a lot to compensate. However, just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean you should slow down your water intake. You should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a day the same as you would on a hot summer day.

Wear A Jacket

Although you may be tempted to hold off until winter to pick up a new jacket, the beginning of the season is typically the best time to do so. The weather can be very unpredictable at times, and you’d be remiss to not have a jacket with you once the temperature really starts to drop. Going out in the cold without a jacket could lead to you getting sick.

Contact Stockton Cardiology

Now is a great time of year to speak with a cardiologist about your heart health. Remember, there’s no age restriction to visiting a cardiologist. Heart health is important to all people, young and old. So, even if you’ve never had heart problems before, it’s never a bad time to visit us for an exam. Give us a call today to learn more.