Fall Maintenance Checklist

Keeping a house in tip-top shape requires that some things be tackled only once a year. Fall is an excellent time to work around the house! Save this list to ensure you don’t forget any important tasks.  Identify and seal cracks and gaps in windows, doors, walkways, and the driveway.  Have the fireplace and chimney inspected for damage and hazards.  Inspect the roof for broken, loose, or missing shingles or tiles.  Check age of hot water heater – if it is older than 10yrs schedule replacement.  Check the home’s exterior for chipped paint and cracks in the foundation and fix as necessary.  Remove showerheads and clean built-up sediment.  Service your furnace and have all filters replaced.  Pump the septic system, if applicable.  Update your home disaster kit. Check ready.gov/kit for a comprehensive list. Be ready for fall and winter power outages.

Fall Immune Boost

Here are a few habits you might want to get into to boost your immune system this fall.  Move! There are many reasons why daily physical activity is good for you, and you can add immune boosting to the list. Movement helps reduce stress, and stress taxes your immune system. Try to get at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise weekly (walking, hiking, bike riding).  Be mindful of what goes into your body. It’s no surprise that you’ll help your immune system by quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, but the same is true for adding more plant-based foods into your diet. Even some herbs and spices contribute to immune health, including cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and thyme.  Get a little sun. Yes, you can take vitamin D supplements, but sun exposure is still considered the best way to get vitamin D into your system—and some evidence indicates it may help your immune system. A good rule is 10-30 minutes, a few days a week (just don’t get burned).  Plan a Vacation Many Americans have unused vacation time, and more companies are going with a use it or lose it policy instead of offering to cash out accrued hours. Planning a vacation is half the fun and you will absolutely boost your mood and boost your immune system.  Relax. This doesn’t mean you have to learn to meditate, but it does mean that it’s important to your immune system that you don’t let stress take over. Set aside some time every day to do something that relaxes you.  Laugh. When we laugh, our stress levels decrease, and that’s good news for the immune system. Hang out with a funny friend!

Teach Life Skills

Teaching kids how to approach and solve life’s challenges is one of the biggest jobs parents face. Here are a few tips to help your children (or grandchildren) grow into self-sufficient and responsible adults: • Teach Kids To Look For Solutions. When kids are faced with a problem, have them identify several options and solutions. Then you can help them choose which solution works best. • Teach Kids Responsibility: Let kids know they are responsible for their actions. They have to do their homework, but you can offer them two “positive choice” options: Do you want to do it in 15 minutes or 30 minutes? Teach them how to organize, and give them the tools to stay organized. • Teach Kids How To Make Good Choices. Giving kids choices empowers them to make their own decisions. Have them weigh the pros and cons of their choice, and let them make the decisions. • Teach Kids How To Deal with Failure. Teach your children that failure is not personal, permanent, or pervasive (i.e. losing a soccer game doesn’t mean you’re bad at other things as well). Developing a positive explanatory style early in life will help your children live a happier, healthier and more successful adult life.