On average, people get 40 fewer minutes of sleep on the Sunday night after moving their clocks ahead an hour. And recent studies have found that there is a higher risk of heart attacks and workplace injuries the Monday after Daylight Savings Time.

If you thought the regular seasonal flu has been late making its annual appearance, you might be surprised to learn that based on recent history, it's right on time.

Lately, athletes of all ages have been coming into our practice with injuries. The season of competitive sports among school-age children is now in full swing, and accidents happen. Pulled muscles, broken bones, sprained ankles and dislocated shoulders as well as bumps, scrapes and bruises are all part of the territory.

Like many of you, my patients and I are enjoying these warm, sunny days, but we all know the cooler temperatures, and the grey cloudy skies of winter are inevitable. Sunday, Nov. 7 is when we will change the clocks for daylight savings time, and there are steps we can take now to maintain or improve our health.