2018 will be here before we know it. And although we still have a few holidays to get through before we ring in the New Year, it’s never too early to start thinking about your health in 2018. Below are a few tips and ideas to consider as you’re getting ready for a healthy 2018.
It’s not all about the weight
The beginning of the year is that traditional time when we think about New Year resolutions. For many of us, our resolutions include a diet to shed those extra holiday pounds. Is it any wonder that gym memberships spike by about 40% in December and January? [1] While getting to a healthy weight is important, we recommend looking at a more complete approach.
For sustained health and weight, take a look at the tips below:
Each a balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet is the first step to creating AND maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A quick-fix diet plan to lose a few pounds isn’t always effective. In fact, researchers at UCLA found that “…two-thirds of people on diets regain more weight than they lost within four or five years, and the true number may well be significantly higher….” [2] Eating healthy for the long-term is the best option.
Exercise forever
We’re not saying exercise nonstop. We’re saying, incorporate some exercise into your life…not just for a short period of time (i.e., during your diet). Make exercise a long-term component of your overall health.
Stay smoke-free
If you struggle with smoking, make 2018 the year you make a change. When you’re ready, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to find resources, coaching, and other materials that can make quitting a little easier.
Get an annual checkup
Check out our article “When to Get An Annual Checkup” this month on our website. Getting regular checkups will help us catch any potential problems before they’re problems. Early intervention is the best medicine.
Healthy in 5 minutes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some wonderful resources they call “Five Minutes or Less for Healthy Weekly Tips.” Each month, they outline a few things you can quickly do to improve your overall health. For January, they recommend:
- Make Health Your Resolution
- Take Folic Acid
- Lower Your Risk for Cervical Cancer
- Learn the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
- Wear Red for Heart Health
From all of us here at Horizon Family Medical Group, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy 2018.
Resources:
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/05/what-your-new-gym-doesnt-want-you-to-know/?utm_term=.8e22edfae1da
- http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/Dieting-Does-Not-Work-UCLA-Researchers-7832
- https://www.cdc.gov/family/minutes/tips/index.htm