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New Year

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New Year’s Resolutions

More than half of New Year’s resolutions are broken within six months, according to the Journal of Clinical Psychology. That does not mean the New Year won’t lead to a new you; it does mean you should consider some relatively simple, common-sense resolutions to help ensure success.

The American Medical Association suggests taking these steps so you’ll be around to make even more improvements in 2013.

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  •  Avoid cigarettes– the leading cause of preventable death in the United States – and secondhand tobacco smoke.
  • Strive to eat about two cups of fruits and two to three cups of vegetables daily to reduce risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and high blood pressure.
  • Limit salt intake to one teaspoon daily; if you are 50 or older, cut this in half to lower blood pressure and lessen risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Eat meals low in total, saturated and trans fats to lower cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk.
  • Have your doctor check your cholesterol and blood pressure and work with him or her to keep them at appropriate levels via lifestyle changes, medication or both.
  • Cut back on sugary sodas and other drinks to avoid gaining weight and developing tooth decay.
  • If you are 50 or older, get a colonoscopy to improve chances for early detection.
  • If you are a woman 40 or older, get a mammogram every one to two years.
  • Protect your skin from the sun by covering up or by using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more; if you have been sunburned in the past, have a doctor check your skin regularly.

72007378_20-mother_daughter.jpgFor more information on these and other steps you can take to protect and improve your health, visit the Office of Healthy Ohio website at www.healthyohioprogram.org. Housed at the Ohio Department of Health, Healthy Ohio consists of three core areas: health promotion, disease prevention and health equity.

Healthy Ohio works to provide the information and tools Ohioans need to lead more active lives, eat a balanced diet and receive appropriate health screenings - - strategies that will, over time, help reduce the incidence and increase the early detection and long-term management of chronic disease. Healthy Ohio recognizes that the tools necessary to achieve and maintain health are not universally available, and strives to identify and reduce disparities that exist.