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~ by Richard Sgaglio
It’s the start of 2023, and for many of us the New Year comes new resolutions! Although most of us have the best intentions to achieve our resolutions, more than 90% of us won’t keep them. For that reason, January is known as “National Staying Healthy Month.” This is month dedicated to helping us create healthy habits that we can stay with throughout the year.
Often the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “health” may be physical wellness; however, there are many other facets of “health” to be mindful of.
Below are some ways you can work on your overall health in the New Year.
Financial Health – We all want to spend less and save more, but how do we go about it? Creating a personal budget can help you spend wisely, get out of debt, save for future goals and retirement, and plan for emergencies. Determining your income, expenses, and a plan for how to manage them can help reduce financial stress throughout the year.
Mental Health – Your mental health is as important as your physical health. One way we can help our mental health is to reduce stress. Stress can affect your mental health and weaken the body’s immune system, making it easier to get sick. By developing tools to cope with stress, such as getting support from family and friends, seeking counseling, or learning relaxation techniques, you can greatly reduce the harmful effects of stress.
Exercise – Obesity still ranks as one of the top causes for ill health for us all. There are simple ways to get some exercise even if you start small. You can get up from your desk or couch every hour and simply take a quick walk. You can go outside on your lunch break or after work to get some more steps in. You don’t have to join a gym to get at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. Walking and swimming are two easy and low impact ways of exercising.
Proper Nutrition – Eating a balanced diet with natural, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and dairy is essential for older adults. A healthy diet helps maintain energy levels, boosts the immune system, and keeps all of your body’s systems functioning properly. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, avoid fast food, and make sure you drink plenty of water.
Sleep – One in three Americans do not get enough sleep. Without enough rest, we are more likely to become run down, as well as have a harder time physically, emotionally, and socially. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. If you are unsure how you can increase the amount of sleep you get there are many online tools that can help.
Annual Physical – January is a great time to make an appointment for your annual physical exam. This is an opportunity to go to the doctor when nothing is wrong. We tend to only go to a health care provider when we are sick and we concentrate on what is wrong with us. An annual physical exam is a visit to gauge how you are doing overall. If you don’t typically schedule an annual physical, you should and here is what you can expect.
Dental Hygiene – Taking good care of your teeth is an important, but often an overlooked part of staying healthy. Poor dental care can lead to other illnesses, such as infections and possibly cardiovascular disease. Each January is a good time to ensure you are up to date on your dental visits, including cleanings.
So, after the ball has dropped and the celebrations are behind us, make sure you are starting the year off as healthy as possible. Take some time to evaluate your health in all areas and make a realistic goal of doing everything you can to remain as healthy as possible in 2023.
The information in the above article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.