5 Resolutions for a Healthy New Year
Each new year brings opportunity and motivation for a fresh start. Here are some easy-to-achieve resolutions to add to your list to make for a healthy, happy year.
Stay Hydrated
Water is vital to our health. Not getting enough water can lead to dehydration, fatigue, impaired brain function, headaches, constipation and more. It is commonly recommended we drink up to eight 8-ounce glasses (or 64 ounces) of water per day to stay hydrated. Simple tricks like adding fresh fruit or veggie slices to your water for flavor, carrying a 32- or 64-ounce reusable water bottle with you when you’re at work or out, or choosing water-enriched foods can make achieving this goal easier.
Be Active
Be sure to dedicate time each day to physical activity. It is recommended we get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is essential to our heart health, managing blood sugar, mental health and mood and strengthening of our bones. If you have a desk job, try to stand up and stretch every hour or go for a walk after lunch. Find physical activities you enjoy for you to do in your free time, like yoga, home-fitness programs, dancing or cycling.
Practice Self-Care
Spending time on yourself is not selfish. Our mental health has a strong connection to our physical wellbeing. Relax with a warm bath. Taking a bath has many health benefits like improving your lung capacity and oxygen intake, helping you breathe easier, reduces levels of stress and anxiety, and can help regulate your core body temperature. Also try things like, starting a gratitude journal, spending time with friends and family, make your favorite healthy snack, try meditation or try a new relaxing activity. Taking care of your mental health can be detrimental to your physical health and can help reduce the risk of long-term conditions like heart disease and cancer, as well as short-term issues like stomachaches, headaches and fatigue.
Eat Healthy
It can be tough to fight through cravings and old eating habits but eating healthier can be simple if you start small and stick to things you like. Start with things like substituting refined grains for whole grains. Whole grains are a great source of fiber and potassium. Choose whole grain bread or rice when grocery shopping and eating out. Make a list of what you need before you shop. This can help you save money and avoid impulse buys.
Schedule a Check-up with your Doctor
Regular check-ups with your doctor can help you prevent or find problems before they start. It’s also a good chance to talk about any symptoms you may be experiencing and to review your health status. A physical is recommended at least once a year, especially for adults over 50. During a physical, your doctor will check things like your blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. The exam also includes checking your eyes, nose and throat, feeling parts of your body like your stomach for abnormalities, and testing your motor skills or reflexes. To complete the exam, your doctor may draw blood to test issues that may exist in your kidneys, liver and immune system. Depending on your age, health history and your test results, your doctor may order further testing.
Garden City Hospital wishes you a happy, healthy new year.
Need a doctor? Call 877-717-9355 or visit gch.org/Find-a-Physician for a GCH physician.
