Tips To Stay Active This Fall

It seems as though everything is just a bit easier during the summer. People tend to be a little more laid back at work, there are less people on the road because many are on vacation and, with the added sunlight and warm temperatures, being active seems to be much less of a hassle.

Autumn, though, is fast approaching. Say goodbye to the warm temperatures and hello to shorter days and cooler weather. Perhaps it’s the fewer hours of sunlight, but this time of the year seems to be when many go into hibernation and ease up on their active summer lifestyles.

This doesn’t have to be the case as there are many fun things to do to stay fit during the cooler months.

“The change of seasons is a good time to focus on health and wellness goals," said Ngozi Onuoha, MD, FACP, of Penn Internal Medicine Mayfair. "Autumn is a great season to walk. Walking is a great form of exercise that does not require much preparation."

Here are some other tips to keep you moving and feeling healthy this fall.

• Make exercise fun: Autumn is synonymous with harvest season. What better way to stay active than to go pumpkin or apple picking with your family or friends? For the younger ones (or those simply young at heart, take part in physical activities such as corn mazes and haunted trails.
• Sign up for a holiday run: Fall is the season in which many fun runs and events occur. Participate in Halloween runs, turkey trots, reindeer romps, etc. Setting a specific goal, such as a race to train for, increases adherence to an exercise program. Signing up with friends or family will motivate you even more.
• Enjoy the colors: Grab a friend, and find a local park that has great trails to walk, run, or ride a bike on.
• Go to a farmer’s market: Many of the root vegetables are in season and are inexpensive. Grab some apples while you’re at it as they’re rich in antioxidants and flavanoids, both of which can reduce cholesterol.
• Take advantage of the cooler weather: Play catch, walk the dog, get a group of friends together to play ultimate Frisbee or touch football.
•  Make Fall chores fun: Raking your lawn can be a real workout. Have fun with it (perhaps by jumping in the leaves??).


Tell us how you plan on staying active this Fall.
Leave your thoughts below.

Screening for Testicular and Prostate Cancer

Did you know that testicular cancer and prostate cancer are not only the most common types of cancer in men, but are highly curable when found and treated early? Luckily, both of these cancer types can often be detected early in their development through simple tests, allowing doctors to begin treatment quickly.

Screening for Testicular Cancer
Most women know how to perform a monthly breast self-exam to detect a cancerous lump. But did you know men can perform a testicular self-exam using a simple, three step exam performed at home?

Get more information and tips on how to perform a self-exam.
 
Should you be Screened for Prostate Cancer?
All men aged 50 or older are encouraged to get a screening for prostate cancer, but men at risk are especially encouraged. High risk includes:

• Men aged 45 who are African American
• Men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer before the age of 65

Screenings consist of a physical exam and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test - a simple blood test that your doctor can perform to determine your PSA levels. A high PSA level can indicate a problem with your prostate, which may or not be prostate cancer.

Diagnosed with Cancer?
If either of these tests lead to a cancer diagnosis, understanding your options is critical. The Abramson Cancer Center offers patients a wide array of the most advanced options available, including minimally invasive and robotic surgical options, and proton therapy, the most advanced form of radiation therapy available.

Learn more about the Penn Urology team
or schedule an appointment by calling 800-789-PENN.