Many of us make New Year resolutions and some of them are related to health. Unfortunately, some of us do not achieve these resolutions. It is important to strive hard to keep all of our resolutions especially those related to healthy living.
What are some common health-related New Year’s resolutions?
The list can be very long, but common health-related New Year’s resolutions include the following:
• Regular exercise and be more active
• Achieving a healthy weight
• Taking care of our teeth
• Stop smoking
• Stop abusing alcohol
• Improving mental health
Whatever the health-related resolution, try to make it simple and attainable. Most of all have fun doing it.
Regular exercise and physical activity
Every New Year, people purchase expensive membership to gyms, workout studios, and online fitness programmes in the hopes of shedding excess body fat in the year to come. Though most people start strong, the majority do not make their new routine into a lasting habit.
If you what to exercise regularly, you need to choose an activity that you enjoy, and likely to do for a long period of time. For instance, if you like going to the beach you might choose to go swimming or take a walk on the beach. You are encouraged to take simple and sustainable exercise resolutions. Try to start off gradually, for instance, rather than every day you might choose a few specific days of the week. As little as ten minutes of regular physical activity, have been shown to be beneficial.
Achieving an ideal weight
Many of us try to lose weight by restrictive measures such as a fad diet and chronic dieting. If you are overweight, first talk to your healthcare provider or nutritionist/dietitian. Individuals are encouraged to adopt a healthier, more sustainable, method of weight loss by focusing on increasing physical activity and eating healthier foods.
Take care of your teeth
A New Year’s resolution that is becoming more frequent is that of maintaining good oral health. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help prevent oral conditions like gum disease and bad breath. Many experts also suggest that gum disease may be associated with serious health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, most dentists recommend a checkup and cleaning at least once a year.
Maintaining good mental health
Maintaining good mental health was always very important, but it is even more important as we go through the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that we take steps to maintain good mental health. Focusing on your mental well-being can help improve work-life balance, enhance sleep, and assist you in achieving your health goals. If you need help, talk to your healthcare provider or mental health provider.
Abusing alcohol and smoking
The effects of abusing alcohol and smoking are well known. Smoking negatively affects every organ in the human body. Smoking is also the number one cause of lung cancer in men, and causes more deaths than colon, breast, ovarian, and prostate, cancer all together. Overindulgence in alcohol can lead to chronic illnesses like liver disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease.
Individuals needing help in substance abuse, quitting smoking and stop abusing alcohol, should seek professional help. A good place to start is to have a talk with your healthcare provider.
Visit your doctor
Getting examined regularly by your doctor is important for many reasons. Having regular blood work, and necessary screenings, can help spot potential problems before they turn into something more serious. Preventative medicine is very important. The frequency of your doctor’s visit depends on many factors including age and medical history, but many clinicians feel you should visit your doctor at least once a year for a check-up – and the beginning of the New Year is often seen as a good time to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
Conclusion
Though most New Year resolutions are only kept for a short period, the healthy resolutions discussed, can be achieved, and can help to improve your physical and mental health. Creating a healthier relationship with food, and taking better care of your body and mind, can drastically improve your health. Whatever health-related New Year resolution you make, this year, try to keep it for this year, and many more years in the future, so that you can be at your healthiest. Remember it is not too late to make a resolution for the New Year! New Year Resolutions may seem daunting, but with some basic tools – and a little effort – you can achieve all your wellness goals for a healthier and happier 2022.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
