Summer’s not over yet. August offers warm weather and time for us all to get up to date with our health — physically, mentally and spiritually.

Right now is a great time to call your clinic to make sure you and the family are ready for the busy school year and harvest season, which are right around the corner.

It’s a good time to review your immunizations, for both kids and adults. While we still have several months left in the calendar year, it’s also a good time to ensure everyone gets their yearly checkups, which are covered 100% by your health insurance for each member of the family.

Prevention is the best cure, as the old saying goes, and before transitioning into a super-busy time, maybe make time this week to get appointments scheduled.

Shots, sports and more

Children have immunization schedules that begin in infancy and take them through college age. Especially with older kids, it can be easy to lose track of a needed booster. Vaccine schedules also exist for adults, so when you visit your primary care provider, it’s a good opportunity to ask if you need to get caught up.

For example, adults 50 and older should get the shingles vaccination which is usually covered by health insurance. Also, did you know you need a Tdap shot for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) every 10 years?

An updated COVID booster is expected this fall. The next time you visit your provider, be sure to review your family’s COVID-19 vaccinations and ensure you have maximum protection. In addition, plan ahead to get your flu vaccinations. September and October are considered the prime time for this annual protection against influenza.

Remember the facts:

• Even though some diseases such measles and rubella are now rare, it’s still important to continue immunizing until they are completely eliminated.

• Vaccines help keep everyone healthy so we can continue doing the things we love.

• They’re safe, effective and can help prevent serious illnesses like COVID-19, polio, diphtheria, measles and HPV, which can cause cancer later in life.

Many young people will need a physical prior to fall sports, and now’s a good time to get those appointments set. Going into a new school year with a clean bill of health that comes with a yearly checkup can bring any mom and dad peace of mind.

Depending on your age and gender, adults need to stay up to date on health screenings like mammography, colonoscopy, blood pressure and blood sugar. Detecting cancer or a chronic condition like diabetes as early as possible leads to the best outcomes. A yearly checkup is the best way to ensure you’re taking advantage of all screenings that are recommended for you, which are also most often covered by your health insurance.

Care for the whole person

Changing schedules can create stress for parents and kids. Now’s a great time to talk to family and friends about aspects of our health beyond shots, scrapes and broken bones. Mental and spiritual health is equally important. If you have mental health concerns, an appointment with your family doctor is often a good place to start in addressing these concerns. Depression and anxiety affect hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet they can be treated. Your provider can help you get connected to the right resources.

Yes, summer is sailing quickly away. Yet there’s still time to still find a few hours, days or a weekend to create quality time with the family. And when you need us, we are your allies in good health.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center