As we welcome warmer weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to refresh our commitment to health and well-being. Staying proactive about your health can help you enjoy all the season has to offer. Here are five practical tips to help you stay healthy this spring.
1. Rest more, stress less
As schedules can become busier with spring activities, it’s important not to neglect adequate rest and stress management. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like mindfulness, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy. A well-rested mind and body are better equipped to fend off illness and handle daily challenges.
2. Boost your immunity
Protect yourself from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 by getting immunized. With a new COVID-19 variant, “Cicada”, now detected in Ontario, it’s especially important for vulnerable individuals, like older adults, to stay protected. A spring COVID-19 booster is recommended for those 80 and older, and is suggested for those 65-79. If you’re in a high-risk group and haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine in the last three months, now is a good time for a booster.
Shoppers Drug Mart has vaccines in stock; book online or in-person at www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid.
3. Embrace outdoor activity
With the return of warmer weather, take advantage of the opportunity to be more active outdoors. Whether it’s a brisk walk in a park, cycling, gardening, or simply enjoying fresh air, physical activity boosts your mood, strengthens your immune system, and improves cardiovascular health. Adults should aim for about 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
4. Leverage technology for wellness support
Take control of your health journey using an app to help keep you on track, such as the PC Health™ app. This convenient tool offers a range of features to support your well-being, including access to healthcare professionals, health programs, and personalized insights. It can help you track your progress, set health goals, and connect with resources to help you stay on track with your healthy spring resolutions. Visit www.pchealth.ca to learn more.
5. Manage seasonal allergies
For many, spring signals the start of allergy season. Be proactive in managing symptoms by monitoring local pollen counts, keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, and cleaning your home regularly to reduce indoor allergens. Consult with your pharmacist or doctor about appropriate over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications if needed. Visit www.shoppersdrugmart.ca for more information.
By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can have a healthier – and more enjoyable – spring season.
