The changing seasons can help you prioritize your physical, emotional and mental health by presenting the opportunity to start new routines or cut out unhealthy habits. Autumn is a great time to embrace the concept of mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment

Mindfulness can help people embrace seasonal transitions and make space for new experiences and personal growth.

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In the United States, influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May, with peak flu activity between December and March.

What’s more, flu season in the Southern Hemisphere often indicates what’s to come in the United States. Data revealed that the 2024 flu season in the Southern Hemisphere was similar to previous flu seasons. With the potential for this year’s flu season to be severe in the United States, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the flu, especially severe disease and hospitalization.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu caused between 9 million and 41 million illnesses annually between 2010 and 2023.

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Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that your body needs to build cells; however, too much can pose aproblem. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins:

1.Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as good cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver to be flushed from the body.

More than 40% of U.S. adults with high cholesterol don’t know they have it, according to a study published in JAMA Cardiology.

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Millions of Americans enjoy camping each year, especially as temperatures rise and days get longer in the summer. Moreover,interest among non-campers has been growing steadily for years. According to a 2024 report by camping platform Dyrt, more than 20 million Americans have gone camping for the first time since 2021, including 5.5 million first-time campers just in 2023.

Dyrt revealed that nearly 2 out of 3 Americans say they are somewhat interested incamping in the next three years.

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Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can threaten your health, especially for older adults and children. Hot and humid weather can make it more challenging for your body to cool down, leading to heat-related illnesses. If left untreated,heat-related illnesses can become life-threatening. In fact, heat-related deaths have been on the rise in the United States.

The CDC reports that heat-related deaths in the country have been increasing, with approximately 1,602 occurring in 2021, 1,722 in 2022, and 2,302 in 2023.

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Summertime is often associated with sunny days, relaxation and vacations. However, it can also bring unique stressors that, if not managed, can impact an individual’s well-being. From the pressure of planning vacations to the physical toll of extreme heat, summertime stressors can creep into your life. Understanding these stressors and how to combat them is essential for enjoying the season to its fullest.

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Spending even a few moments outside daily can significantly improve your physical health by reducing muscle tension,regulating sleep and improving your work performance. Experiencing the outdoors—specifically, green spaces—can also provide some mental health benefits, including reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, decreased stress levels and improved overall mood.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the average American spends only 7% of their life outdoors, with the rest spent inside.

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Emotional self-regulation, or emotion regulation, refers to the ability to remain aware of your emotions, understand why you’re feeling a certain way, and manage those feelings in a healthy and constructive manner.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national health observance dedicated to shedding light on mental health conditions and fostering understanding and support for those experiencing them. Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.

NAMI reports that nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year.

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Walking is often overlooked as a form of exercise; however, it offers several health benefits for the body and mind. This simple yet powerful activity is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, requiring no special equipment, memberships or training. By boosting physical fitness and enhancing mental well-being, incorporating regular walks into your routine can improve overall health.

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