Let’s accept it. We all make New Year resolutions, but very few follow through. It does not mean we should stop making them. The wiser counsel is to learn from the past why our resolve was not strong enough.
The New Year represents a fresh start and doctors would tell you that it is the perfect time to invest in your health, more so now at a time when the pandemic is weakened but not fully over. However, you may be unsure what resolutions will have the biggest impact. Doctors point out that the easy, tangible actions you take are some of the most important.
Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA), says, “Many people kick off the start of each new year with big-picture health resolutions. The good news is that small, positive health choices made right now can have long-lasting effects.”
Here are the 10 resolutions the AMA recommends to top your list this year:
1. Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health, so get moving today. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.
2. Vaccination is the best protection against many serious illnesses. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Your doctor can let you know if you’re due for a COVID booster.
3. Get screened. Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your physician. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.
4. Keep blood pressure in check: Hypertension can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, and it affects millions of Americans. Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and what you can do to get your blood pressure under control.
5. Check for diabetes risk: One in 3 American adults has prediabetes, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. However, there are steps you can take that can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking a simple 2-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. This resource also features helpful lifestyle tips that can help you reverse prediabetes.
6. Drink water: Whenever possible, drink water instead of sweetened beverages and replace processed foods — especially those with added sodium and sugar — with nutritious, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, herbs and spices.
7. Drink in moderation: If consuming alcohol at all, drink only in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines that as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.
8. No to nicotine: Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use. Declare your home and car smokefree to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.
9. Correct medicine use: Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription drugs – especially opioids. Always store and dispose of these medications safely to prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not taking the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem, and will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.
10. Invest in your mental health by managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health professional when you need it.
If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA encourages you to sign up for coverage at healthcare.gov, which has new, affordable options. The enrollment deadline for 2023 coverage is Jan. 15, 2023.
3 comments
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Itís hard to find experienced people about this topic, but you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks
Thanks for reminding, we all know the importance of these things but discipline is very important to follow throughout the year