Health and fitness

 The end of summer and the beginning of autumn are an exciting time for everyone.  With pumpkin plucking, hayrides, and spooky festivities, it's important that everyone prepares to tackle the onset of cold and flu season in order to fully enjoy those crisp-air activities.  Dr. Shireen Peters, NYC internist at Bethany Medical Clinic gives tips before cold and flu season

  How to best prepare and stay healthy." Autumn is a fun time to participate in outdoor activities with family and friends, but sometimes we forget that cold and flu season is starting, and we always  are not prepared," says Dr. Peters.  "My tips below are designed to help people of all ages stay prepared and healthy ahead of cold and flu season."  * Get vaccinated.

  Mask wearing and social distancing contributed to a less severe cold and flu season than usual during 2020-2021, and with COVID-19 restrictions expected to ease, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated.  The CDC recommends that all individuals 6 months of age and older receive the annual flu vaccine because they are safe and proven to be effective in preventing illness, and reducing the risk of getting flu-like symptoms.  The pandemic continues and flu-like symptoms require at-home COVID testing and possible quarantine, which many want to avoid.  *Keep your body moving.

  It is estimated that people who exercise 30–45 minutes a day experience 40% - 50% fewer sick days.  Whether it's taking a daily walk during the lunch break, jogging in the morning, or attending a workout class with a friend, getting your body moving will help keep you from getting sick.  If you're new to daily exercise, try starting small, adding 2-3 workouts/activities a week and gradually increasing it over time.*

 Stock your medicine cabinet.  Take advantage of the time you feel good to prepare your medicine cabinet when you're not.  Throw out any expired medicine and replace it with fresh decongestants and antihistamines.  And remember to take fever and pain relief products as well as a cold shortener so you can get back on your feet quicker.  and Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Spray® are great products, as they reduce colds and only temporarily relieve symptoms.*

 Stock your pantry.  Stocking your medicine cabinet is important to prepare for cold and flu season, but it is equally as important as stocking your pantry.  Keeping comfort food and refreshing drinks on hand when you're not feeling well is important in your recovery process.  Try stocking up on frozen vegetables, which will provide your body with nutrients when you're sick, ice cubes, which will soothe a sore throat, and chicken soup, which will help banish chills.  * Create a cleaning routine.  It has been proven that cold and flu viruses can survive for days on unclean surfaces such as metal, plastic and wood.  So cleaning household surfaces and objects is one of the best precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family from illness.  Create a twice-weekly cleaning routine in which you heavily soak countertops, doorknobs and TV remotes with antibacterial, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide products.

   About Shireen Peters, MD Shireen Peters, MD attended college at New York Medical College and completed her residency at East St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan, NY.  The following year, she worked in a private practice in North Carolina and learned more about the business of medicine.  She returned to New York City and founded the Bethany Medical Clinic in New York in 2011.  He recognizes that New Yorkers face unique health challenges and is ready to build a model of care that can reduce disease and improve health for New Yorkers and all city residents.  .  She uses her diverse past work experiences and her own understanding.