Are there seasonal changes in patient care that you’re noticing as we transition to fall?

Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, Mass General

In pediatrics, we see increased anxiety with the transitions that school brings. There are lots of kids whose ADHD needs managing, and of course the onset of all those URIs! And flu vaccines, so many flu vaccines.

Mariah Robertson, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

I’m on home-based medicine now and notice what feels like a collective sigh of relief among my homebound older adult patients, many of whom have no or limited AC. Cooler autumn weather brings a welcome reprieve from unforgiving heat.

Ryan Graddy, MD, Atlanta, Georgia

In Atlanta, Georgia, September temperatures are still in the 90s. I’ve seen several patients living in high rises who lost AC +/or refrigeration with severe health consequences.

Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

I’ve sensed that my patients view the start of autumn as a time of renewed seriousness after the “summer fun” is over. Some, who have taken vacation in July or August, seem to feel re-energized and focused on their health after perhaps lessening their attention on healthy behaviors over the summer.

At the same time, I may notice or imagine some increased stress that might be related to all the personal and professional goals and responsibilities that are looming.

Every season is the right one for guiding, counseling, and supporting our patients.

Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

I encourage most of my patients to walk for daily exercise; fall’s cooler weather finally allows them to enjoy walking outside.

Roy Ziegelstein, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

As a cardiologist, I don’t see as much seasonality as primary care physicians or infectious disease specialists might. On the other hand, this time of year I always seem to hear from a friend or colleague with a young child who is sick with hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and this year is no exception. I also hear from some of my patients whose grandchildren who are home in bed with this condition.

Mays Ali, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

As the weather turns cold, it can be hard for patients to stay active if they rely on outdoor activities, and it’s easy to fall into a sedentary routine. A lot of my cardiovascular health counseling recently focuses on creative ways to stay active, and not just by joining a gym!