We’re finally entering the new year, and many people are looking to improve their quality of life. Whether financial, health-wise, or social, improvements are welcome to start the new year. In this article, we will tackle something that has been on people’s minds for the past couple of years: health. Health has become a prominent topic in the last couple of years due to the global crisis.
But with the pandemic waning and people becoming more aware of measures to prevent it, there’s still another aspect that we shouldn’t overlook: physical well-being. Ultimately, immunity and resistance are better than cure, so let’s take a look at a few tips to start your new year healthily.
Start with Visiting Your Doctor
We all should have annual trips to the doctor, but unfortunately, we only visit them when we’re sick. But to truly start the new year right, it’s best to get a doctor’s input on our health. A doctor will look at each part of your body and see how well you are doing overall — including your teeth, hair, skin, blood, and bone density — as well as any other conditions that need to be addressed, like high cholesterol or diabetes.
A physical exam is an opportunity for you and your doctor to discuss any concerns or issues you may be facing in regards to your overall well-being, such as weight loss or gain, change in appetite, or other areas of concern that could affect your overall quality of life, including sex drive and sexual function (which are very common). A good time to schedule your appointment is at the beginning of January since most people make resolutions this month and want to tackle them head-on. You also want to visit the dentist, ophthalmologist, and dermatologist around this time to make sure that anything that needs maintenance or professional care is taken care of.
Change to a Diverse Diet
Admittedly, many of us are very lax and lenient when our diet. We don’t eat vegetables and fruits as often- and that’s something that should be changed in the coming year. Fruits and vegetables contain what our bodies need. They are good sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which help to keep you healthy. These help keep you healthy and provide you with energy to do the things you want to do every day of your life. It also keeps your digestion regular so that you can avoid constipation or bloat (or whenever you have a stomach ache).
Reduce Salt and Sugar Consumption
Many of us consume twice the amount of recommended sugar and salt, which adds an extra risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. Even sugar is suspect, as too much can cause tooth decay and diabetes. It only makes sense to decrease your intake on these two, especially when you’re trying to look after your health. Sugar also contains a chemical called sucrose fructose, and this substance is metabolized differently from other forms of glucose; it causes insulin resistance and fat storage.
Live an Active Lifestyle- Start by Walking
Eating right and visiting your doctor isn’t enough- we need to move! Physical activity is one of the most important aspects of healthy living and should never be overlooked. Physical activity does not have to mean exercise; it can simply include walking and stretching, especially for people who don’t like exercise but just want to feel better. Walking is a great way to get fit and also improve your mood! When you walk, the exercise helps your body release feel-good hormones (endorphins), which are our natural pain relievers and make us happy. You can do this by walking on your neighborhood sidewalk, going to your local park, or walking with friends.
Wean Yourself Off of Tobacco and Alcohol
If you regularly consume alcohol or tobacco, the new year is signaling you to stop. Unrestrained alcohol consumption can lead to liver problems, and tobacco contributes to lung cancer and heart disease. But it’s not just a matter of health risks; both habits are also linked to lowered cognitive abilities and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s in later life- which is more reason to kick the habit. Consult with a professional if you’re finding difficulty managing your addictions, and always remember to stay focused.
The best way to start the year is to start it healthily. The tips provided here can help you achieve that; just keep your eyes on the goal and be focused.
