Happy New Year! Welcome to 2022.
With each new year comes the expectation of establishing New Year’s resolutions. Losing weight, exercising, and making healthy choices are common goals. Unfortunately, many people give up on their resolutions within the first couple weeks of the year. In fact, a study has shown that while 77% of people could keep their resolution for the first week of the year, only 19% stuck with it for two years.
When it comes to being healthy, it doesn’t need to be a resolution or goal that you will give up after a week or two. As family doctors in Pineville, Carolina Medical Associates is committed to helping you make healthy choices in 2022 and beyond.
Keep reading to learn some of the best ways to keep yourself and your family healthy this year.
Your Family Doctor’s Tips to Stay Healthy
Choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle can start with simple changes to your everyday life. Grab a partner to keep you accountable, and get ready to lead a healthy life this year.
1. Drink Water
How many of us are guilty of not drinking enough water each day? Water is an essential component that makes up 50-70% of our body weight. We depend on it to survive. A lack of water can lead to dehydration which can zap your energy and leave you feeling tired.
Drinking eight glasses of water daily is easy to remember and should be an achievable goal. If you struggle to drink enough water, consider adding slices of lemon, lime, or cucumbers to add a touch of flavor. The boost of sweetness may help you meet your goal.
2. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
The food guide pyramid has changed slightly over the years, but the principle remains the same. Your goal is to consume a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. While there are various dietary preferences out there, it is still possible to maintain the necessary balance. This ensures you get the necessary vitamins and minerals from natural sources.
Consider using the USDA’s MyPlate Plan to make sure you are making good nutritional choices. This helps you see portion sizes, number of servings from each food group, and food options to keep you on track.
3. Stay Active
Exercising and being physically active offer a number of benefits to your mental and physical health. The health benefits of staying active include:
- Weight loss
- Management of diseases and conditions
- Improved mood
- More energy
- Better sleep
The American Heart Association recommends trying to be active for 150 minutes each week. Simply go for a walk, do yoga, try an exercise app, join a gym, or even play a round of tennis. Find an activity that is enjoyable and you are more likely to stick with it. Staying active is a great way to boost your mood, energy, and health.
Remember to talk to your doctor before starting a new workout regimen, especially if you have certain health conditions or have not exercised in a while.
4. Relieve Your Stress
It is easy to become overwhelmed with work, school, responsibilities, and life. However, too much stress can cause your health to suffer. Stress has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, headaches, anxiety and depression, gastrointestinal problems, and more.
Find an outlet for your stress to protect your mental and physical health. Consider the following options to manage your stress:
- Exercise
- Practice deep breathing
- Take a break
- Find a hobby
- Talk to someone
- Eliminate your triggers
- Spend time outside
5. Make Smart Choices Regarding COVID
It is a new year, and COVID-19 is still here. Remember to stay alert and make smart choices to keep yourself and your family safe.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
- Wear a face mask as recommended.
- If you are eligible, get the COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
- Get tested if you feel sick or have potentially come into contact with an infected individual.
- If you do contract the coronavirus, follow the recommendations for quarantine or isolation. Remember to stay hydrated and to watch your oxygen levels for signs of distress.
For some patients, the symptoms of COVID may linger. Check with your health professional if you are concerned about long COVID.
6. Visit Your Family Doctor for a Physical Exam
While an apple a day may keep the doctor away, when it comes to your health, being proactive means visiting your doctor for regular exams.
Stay on top of routine physicals. During these appointments, your family physician does an overall exam and usually orders lab work. This ensures all systems are working as they should. Any potential issues are diagnosed early and an appropriate treatment plan is devised.
Remember, even if you feel “the same” or do not notice any changes, underlying problems could be lurking. It’s always better to prevent issues rather than trying to address a problem that has festered because you avoided going to the doctor.
7. Consider a DPC Membership
Insurance, or a lack thereof, can be a driving factor in medical care. Don’t let insurance or financial concerns stand in the way of your health. A direct primary care (DPC) membership gives patients access to medical services for an affordable monthly fee.
A DPC membership is a good option for patients with high-deductible plans or without insurance. The low fee includes routine physicals, basic lab work, gynecological care, basic testing, sick visits, and more. These plans help patients stay on top of their health without breaking the bank.
Let the primary care physicians at Carolina Medical Associates help you stay healthy this year!
Maintain your good health in 2022 with help from Carolina Medical Associates. Our team offers a comprehensive range of aesthetic and medical services in Pineville.
Book an appointment today and learn how to be healthy this year!
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