New Year's resolutions – we've heard them all before, and probably made a few that we didn't keep. This year, why not resolve to improve your health the smart way with some of these ideas:
1. Eat less and eat better. Losing weight is a good goal for many people, but jumping right into a 1,000 calorie-a-day diet is probably a recipe for failure. Instead of deprivation, consider small steps like eating dessert only every other day, avoiding second helpings at meals, drinking water instead of a beverage with calories, and making fresh fruit or cut vegetables your go-to snack.
2. Get more exercise without the gym membership. Joining a gym may seem like a fast track to better health, but it's costly and the atmosphere can set unrealistic goals. Instead, commit to 30 minutes of exercise each day. You can break it up into three 10-minute sessions, and walking is an easy way to start. Get yourself a pedometer and aim for 5,000 steps a day as a first goal, and then shoot for 10,000 a steps a day for better health.
3. Stay in touch and stay healthy. Reconnecting with friends and family is good for your health. Studies have shown that a lack of social bonds can damage your health as much as alcohol abuse and smoking, and even more than obesity and lack of exercise. You can start with new social media connections and then add regular in-person visits or phone calls for friends and family.
4. Take time to beat stress. Chronic stress can increase your risk of insomnia, depression, obesity, and heart disease. The workplace can be a stressful setting, but studies show that many people don't take all the vacation that they earn each year. Resolve to give yourself a break and use all of the time-off that's coming to you, whether it's for a few long weekends or a dream getaway.
5. Help others and help your health. Happiness increases when we help others, so look for opportunities to volunteer, because it's good for your health. Studies have shown that people with positive emotions were less likely to have a heart attack or develop heart disease, and positive emotions can make you more resilient and resourceful.
6. Put an annual checkup on the calendar. Women of all ages need regular physician visits for screenings to help you stay ahead of problems that could occur. Testing should include a pap smear and pelvic exam in your 20s and 30s, an annual mammogram starting at age 40, and bone density testing to evaluate for osteoporosis and fracture risk after you reach menopause. At Northline Women's Health Center, we have locations in Southgate, Michigan and Brownstown with physicians and nurse practitioners ready to serve you, and you can make an appointment online for your next visit.
