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People often look forward to spring because it means longer days, warmer weather, and more time spent outside. But for a lot of people, spring also brings changes in how they feel every day that they didn’t expect. People mostly talk about seasonal allergies, but the change from winter to spring can affect a lot more than just your sinuses. As your body gets used to the new season, your skin health, sleep quality, and energy levels may all change.

Knowing these links can help you figure out what’s normal, what’s not, and how to stay healthy during the transition.

Spring and Your Sinuses: Not Just Sneezing

Pollen is the most obvious thing that makes spring happen. Allergens from trees, grasses, and weeds can make your nose stuffy, cause sneezing, sinus pressure, and headaches. But pollen isn’t the only thing that causes spring sinus problems.

Changes in temperature can make sinus tissue swell, and spring rain makes mold grow more quickly both inside and outside. People who don’t think they are “allergic” may still have post-nasal drip, pressure in their face, or a cough that won’t go away.

Sinus inflammation can also make it hard to sleep when it blocks airflow. If you breathe through your mouth, snore, or have a stuffy nose at night, it can be hard to get deep, restorative sleep, even if you don’t fully wake up.

Why Skin Often Changes in the Spring

Skin can be surprisingly hard to deal with in the spring. The skin barrier may already be weak after months of cold air and heating indoors. When humidity rises and allergens spread, skin that is sensitive can become itchy, red, or reactive.

Changes in the skin that happen a lot in the spring are:

• • Eczema or rosacea flare-ups
  • More dryness or irritation in patches
  • Pollen landing on bare skin can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

In the spring, people spend more time outside in the sun, which can happen before they change their skin care routines. Skin inflammation and early aging can happen faster if you don’t protect your skin from the sun every day.

Itching, burning, or flushing can make it hard to sleep and focus, which can lead to fatigue.

The Unseen Effect on Sleep

One of the most overlooked effects of seasonal change is how it affects sleep. Spring brings with it a number of things that can mess up sleep patterns:

Longer days can change your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep at night.

Allergies that come and go with the seasons can make you cough and congest, which can break up your sleep.

Changes in temperature can make bedrooms too warm, which can make it hard to get deep sleep.

Stress in the spring, like changes to your schedule, travel, or more responsibilities, can make cortisol levels go up.

Even small changes in sleep add up. Not getting enough sleep can hurt your immune system, mood, blood pressure, and metabolism. Many people feel “off” in the spring without realizing that the problem is with their sleep.

How These Systems Are Linked

The body doesn’t see skin, sinuses, and sleep as separate systems. The common thread is inflammation. When allergens cause an immune response, inflammatory chemicals affect many parts of the body at once. For example, the nasal passages swell, the skin becomes reactive, and sleep becomes lighter and less restorative.

Then, not getting enough sleep makes inflammation worse, which can make symptoms worse. This is why taking an antihistamine or doing something else to fix just one problem may not make you feel better.

Helping Your Health During the Change of Seasons

Small, planned changes can have a big impact:

For your sinuses:

• • Using saline to rinse your nasal passages can help get rid of pollen and other irritants.

When there are days with a lot of pollen, keep windows closed.

• • Change your air filters often.

For your skin:

• • Use cleansers and moisturizers that are scentless and more gentle
  • Put on sunscreen daily as the sun gets more intense.
  • After being outside, you should wash your exposed skin.

To sleep:

• • Even though the days are longer, keep the time you go to bed the same.
  • Keep your bedroom dark and cool when sleeping.
  • Take care of any allergy symptoms at night before they get worse.

Drinking enough water is also very important. When the weather gets warmer, you need more fluids. Dehydration can make congestion, dry skin, and tiredness worse.

When to Get Medical Help

Basic care should help with seasonal symptoms. If they don’t, you might want to see a doctor, especially if you have:

• • Sinus pain or pressure that won’t go away
  • Sleep problems that don’t go away or tiredness during the day
  • Skin problems getting worse
  • Signs that make it hard to work or live your life

Spring is a good time to check up on your health. Taking care of symptoms early can stop them from becoming long-term and help you feel more balanced as the season goes on.

A seasonal reset for your whole body health

Spring affects more than just allergies. They can also impact how you sleep, how your skin reacts, and how your body manages inflammation. Paying attention to these changes can help protect your health before symptoms get worse.

With careful changes and timely care, spring can be a time of renewal–outside and for your health in general.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, a practicing internist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, has over two decades of expertise in healthcare. As the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program, she is dedicated to fostering comprehensive, patient-centered care.

As summer winds down and fall sports ramp up, student athletes are lacing up their cleats, strapping on gear, and heading back into practice. But before the games, the drills, and the competition, there’s one important step that every young athlete should take: getting a sports physical.
It might feel like just another form to check off the list, but a sports physical is actually one of the best ways to keep student athletes safe and in the game. Paired with a good injury prevention plan, it can make all the difference in how an athlete performs—and how they feel throughout the season.

Why Every Student Athlete Needs a Sports Physical

A sports physical is different from a regular annual checkup. It’s focused specifically on how well your body can handle the physical demands of sports. Think of it as a head-to-toe look at whether your child is ready to play—safely and confidently.
During the visit, the provider reviews your child’s health history and asks about things like asthma, heart conditions, previous injuries, allergies, or any past surgeries. Then they’ll do a physical exam to check vitals–such as blood pressure and heart rate, examine joints and muscles, and assess flexibility and strength.
Sometimes the visit will uncover something that needs more attention—like lingering pain from a sprain or signs of overtraining. Catching these early can help prevent bigger problems later.

When to Schedule a Sports Physical

Ideally, you should schedule your child’s sports physical about 6 to 8 weeks before their season begins. This gives enough time for any follow-up care if something comes up during the exam. But even if you’re closer to the first day of tryouts, it’s still worth getting in—better late than never.
Many schools and athletic programs require a physical before participation, but even if it’s not mandatory, it’s a smart and proactive way to keep your child healthy.

Common Injuries Young Athletes Face

Student athletes push their bodies hard—sometimes harder than they should. With growing bones, busy school days, and high expectations, it’s no surprise that injuries can happen. Some of the most common include:

• • Sprains and strains (especially ankles and knees)
  • Concussions from falls or contact
  • Shin splints in runners and dancers
  • Overuse injuries like tendinitis or stress fractures
  • Muscle pulls or joint soreness from lack of recovery time

Not all injuries happen in dramatic moments. Many build up over time, especially in kids who specialize in one sport year-round without much rest or variation.

Injury Prevention: Small Habits, Big Results

Preventing injuries isn’t about avoiding sports—it’s about supporting kids so they can play longer, stronger, and with less risk. Here are some key ways to do that:

1. Start With a Good Warm-Up

Jumping straight into drills or games without preparing the body is a setup for injury. A dynamic warm-up (like light jogging, arm circles, or leg swings) gets muscles ready to move. Cooling down afterward with stretching helps, too.

2. Don’t Skip Rest Days

Bodies need time to recover, especially growing ones. Rest isn’t lazy—it’s essential. Without it, muscles and joints don’t repair, and the risk of injury climbs.

3. Encourage Variety

Specializing in one sport too early increases the chance of overuse injuries. Trying different sports throughout the year helps build strength in different areas of the body and prevents burnout.

4. Focus on Form and Technique

Whether it’s the way they run, jump, or lift, using proper form matters. Bad habits lead to strain. Coaches and trainers can help correct mechanics early before they become long-term issues.

5. Fuel and Hydrate

Good nutrition and hydration aren’t just for game day. Kids need balanced meals full of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to recover and grow. And they should be drinking water all day—not just at practice.

6. Use the Right Gear

Make sure shoes fit well and equipment is in good condition. Helmets, pads, braces—all of it should fit correctly and be sport-specific.

7. Listen to the Body

If your child says something hurts, take it seriously. Playing through pain might seem brave, but it can turn a small issue into something serious. Let them rest, heal, and come back stronger.

It’s About More Than Sports

Participating in sports helps kids develop discipline, resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence. But to truly thrive, they need to be healthy—not just fit. That’s why regular checkups, early intervention, and open conversations about pain and fatigue are so important.
And when an injury does happen, how we respond matters. Support, understanding, and access to the right care can make all the difference in how a young athlete recovers—and how they feel about getting back in the game.

Helping You Support Your Student Athlete

If your child is gearing up for a new season, don’t wait to take care of their health. A simple sports physical is a smart, preventative step—and one that can help them play safer, perform better, and enjoy the sport they love even more.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards is an experienced Penn Medicine Princeton Health internist who has practiced medicine for over 25 years. She is also the academic director of the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.

When life gets hectic, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner—especially if you feel fine. But here’s the truth: a lot of serious health problems don’t show any warning signs at first. That’s why regular health screenings matter. They help catch things early, when they’re most treatable—and often before you even notice something’s wrong.
Still, knowing which screenings you actually need (and when) can be confusing. So, let’s make it simple. Here’s a breakdown of what men and women should keep an eye on through every stage of adulthood.

In Your 20s and 30s: Build a Healthy Foundation

You might feel invincible right now—and that’s great. But even in your healthiest years, it’s smart to stay on top of a few basics.
What to check:

• • Get a yearly physical. It’s a chance to track things like weight, blood pressure, and heart rate.
  • Keep an eye on blood pressure—high numbers can sneak up with stress or poor sleep.
  • Cholesterol should be checked if you have a family history of heart disease, or other risk factors.
  • STI testing if you’re sexually active.
  • Don’t forget your mental health—check in with yourself regularly.

For women:

• • Pap smears start at 21, every 3 years (or every 5 if you combine it with an HPV test after 30).
  • Talk to your doctor about breast health, especially if you have a family history of cancer.

For men:

• • Learn how to do testicular self-exams and speak up if something feels off.

In Your 40s: Start Looking a Little Closer

Around 40, things shift. You might start to notice subtle changes—in your energy, your vision, maybe your metabolism. That’s totally normal. It’s also a good time to expand your health checklist.
What to consider:

• • Blood sugar testing to watch for early signs of diabetes.
  • Keep up with cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring.
  • Schedule an eye exam, even if you think your vision is fine.
  • If you’ve got a family history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about early colon screenings.

For women:

• • You may need to start mammograms now—especially if breast cancer runs in your family.
  • Keep up with Pap and HPV testing.

For men:

• • Start the conversation about prostate health, especially if you’re at higher risk.

In Your 50s and 60s: Stay Ahead of Chronic Conditions

This is when prevention really becomes powerful. You’re still active and engaged—but now it’s about staying that way.
What’s important now:

• • Get your first colonoscopy around age 45 or 50.
  • Keep up with blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks.
  • If you’re a former smoker, ask about lung cancer screening.
  • Hearing and vision tests become more useful for safety and comfort.

For women:

• • Keep up with mammograms every 1–2 years.
  • Bone density testing is often recommended after 65, but talk to your provider if you’re at risk earlier.

For men:

• • Ask your doctor if a PSA test for prostate cancer makes sense for you.

In Your 70s and Beyond: Stay Independent and Comfortable

At this stage, it’s all about staying strong, safe, and connected. Your doctor may adjust screening schedules based on your lifestyle, health history, and how you’re feeling day-to-day.
What to focus on:

• • Continue checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, if needed.
  • Ask if it’s time to stop some screenings like colonoscopies, depending on your past results and overall health.
  • Keep up with hearing and vision tests to maintain your independence.
  • Talk openly about memory, balance, and emotional well-being—you don’t have to navigate those changes alone.

Why Screenings Matter—Even When You Feel Fine

It’s easy to think, “I feel good, so I must be healthy.” And hopefully, that’s true! But many conditions don’t show symptoms right away. Screenings help you stay in control—and sometimes they even save lives.
And remember: this isn’t just about numbers or test results. It’s about feeling your best, staying active, and being present for the people and things you love.

Take the Next Step

If it’s been a while since your last checkup, there’s no better time to get back on track. Your doctor can walk you through what you need and tailor it to your personal health story. You don’t have to do it all at once—just start with one small step.
Your future self will thank you.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards is a practicing internist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health and the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at the same institution.

Let’s be honest—if you feel healthy, it’s easy to think, “Why bother going to the doctor?” You’re busy, you’ve got a million things going on, and booking a check-up might feel unnecessary. But here’s the truth: your annual physical is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health—even when you’re feeling perfectly fine.
Think of it as a routine check-up for your body, just like you’d get for your car. You don’t wait for the engine to fail before getting an oil change, right?

1. Catching Problems Early (Even the Silent Ones)

The tricky thing about many health issues is that they don’t always feel like anything at first. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even early-stage diabetes often have no symptoms. You could be walking around with something quietly brewing—and not even know it.
A quick blood pressure check, bloodwork, or simple screening could reveal something that’s better caught now than later when it’s harder (and more expensive) to treat.

2. Prevention Really Is the Best Medicine

Your annual physical is about staying ahead of the game. Your doctor can talk to you about things like:

• • Your diet and nutrition
  • Sleep habits
  • Stress levels
  • Exercise routines
  • Family history and risks

Even a short conversation might lead to small changes that make a big difference—like getting more sleep, taking a daily walk, or cutting back on sugar. These tweaks can go a long way in preventing future health problems.

3. Building a Relationship with Your Doctor Matters

A big part of your health journey is having someone you trust by your side. Your annual visit is a great way to build a relationship with your doctor so they really get to know you—your history, your habits, your concerns.
That way, if something ever does come up, you won’t be starting from scratch. You’ll already have someone who understands your background and can make the best decisions with you.

4. It’s a Good Time to Check in on Mental Health, Too

Your physical health and mental health are connected. A yearly check-up gives you space to talk about things like stress, anxiety, burnout, or trouble sleeping.
Maybe you’re doing great—but maybe you’re not, and haven’t had the chance (or the right person) to talk to about it. That’s what your doctor is there for. They can offer support, guidance, or next steps that help you feel more like yourself again.

5. Staying on Top of Vaccines and Screenings

Another big reason to go? To stay current with things like:

• • Flu shots (especially in the fall)
  • Cancer screenings (like mammograms or colonoscopies)
  • Blood tests
  • Age-related vaccines (like shingles or tetanus boosters)

Your doctor can look at your age, health history, and risk factors and tell you exactly what you’re due for—and what you can skip.

6. Tracking Your Health Over Time

When you go every year, your doctor creates a kind of health timeline. They can spot trends—like slowly rising blood sugar or weight gain—and help you make adjustments before they turn into something serious.
It’s like checking your credit score regularly—you want to know where you stand and catch changes early.

7. It Can Actually Save You Money

It might sound backwards, but going to the doctor when you’re not sick can save you money in the long run. Why? Because treating a health issue early is almost always less expensive than managing a chronic or serious condition later.
Plus, many insurance plans cover a yearly physical at no cost to you, including basic labs and screenings. So you might as well use the benefit you’re already paying for.

The Bottom Line: A Little Time Now Can Pay Off Big Later

Taking an hour once a year to check in with your doctor is a small commitment that can lead to big health benefits. You’ll walk away with peace of mind, a clearer picture of your health, and a plan to stay on track.
Even if you feel fine, don’t skip it. Think of it as taking care of future you. And let’s be honest—we all deserve that kind of care.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards is a practicing internist at Penn Medicine Princeton Health and the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at the same institution.