Top Ten Resolutions
for a Healthy New You in the New Year
These top resolutions,
offered by the American Medical Association (AMA), arm people with the
knowledge to become a healthy new you in 2008.
“Creating and sticking to a new year’s resolution to get healthier
is the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season,” said
AMA President, Ron Davis, MD. “Talk to your physician about your
health care plan and what you can do to ensure you remain healthy in
2008 and for many years to come.”
Top ten resolutions for a healthy new year:
1. Eliminate trans fat from diet: Research shows that eating foods high
in trans fats raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of coronary
artery disease. Replacing trans fats with healthier fats and oils, such
as extra virgin olive oil, can prevent approximately 30,000 to 100,000
premature deaths a year.
2. Get more exercise: Increasing physical activity to at least 30 minutes
a day, five days a week can drastically improve overall health and lower
the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.
3. Quit smoking: Smoking, and being exposed to secondhand smoke, is
the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. When smokers quit,
within just twenty minutes of smoking that last cigarette the body begins
a series of changes to combat the damage cigarettes cause. Need help
quitting? Consider talking to a physician about a smoking cessation
program.
4. Keep heart healthy: Heart disease is the number one cause of death
in this country. Having cholesterol levels and blood pressure
checked regularly by a physician can reduce the chances of heart disease
and stroke. People who have a higher risk of heart disease may benefit
from taking low-dose aspirin; ask your doctor if this applies to you.
5. Stay away from excess salt: A diet high in sodium increases the risk
of cardiovascular disease. Limit salt intake to one teaspoon per day,
or half a teaspoon if over 50, to help lower blood pressure and decrease
the chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke.
6. Get a flu shot: Getting an annual flu vaccination is the single best
way to protect against the virus. With flu season lasting into the spring,
vaccination in January or February is still effective and will have
significant medical benefit.
7. Screen for cancer: Early detection is often the key to beating cancer.
Women over 40 need to schedule an annual mammogram to screen for breast
cancer. All patients over 50 years of age should talk to a physician
about a colonoscopy to improve the chances of early detection of colon
cancer.
8. Protect skin from the sun: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
every day and be sure to increase it to 30 or higher if exposed to the
sun for a prolonged period. See a physician every year for a professional
skin exam to detect early signs of skin cancer.
9. Vote with the uninsured in mind: The uninsured tend to live sicker
and die younger than those with health insurance. In this time of giving
to others, be sure to vote in the 2008 election with the 47 million
uninsured Americans in mind.
10. Talk to a physician: Many people only see a physician when ill and
often overlook the fact that they are great resources for information
on losing weight, reducing stress, quitting smoking and other issues
that may affect overall health. Feel free to contact a physician
with health concerns or questions; he or she can help you achieve your
health goals.
"Making even small changes to your lifestyle can help you look
and feel great all year," said Dr. Davis. "Eating right and
exercising are two resolutions that can improve your overall health
and reduce your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke,
and osteoporosis.”