Most people make New Year’s resolutions to motivate themselves to make the necessary changes in their lives to improve their health, lifestyle, or happiness. If you have made resolutions related to your health, your family doctor can help you achieve them.
Here are 10 tips from your family doctor at Intercoastal Medical Group to help you keep your New Year’s resolution of being healthier this year.
Tip #1 Lose Weight With a Healthy Diet
Your family doctor can tell you what your ideal weight range is and suggest ways to reduce caloric intake and to consume foods with appropriate nutrients and portion size. In fact, your PCP may recommend you see a nutritionist to start you on a healthy diet plan and to provide the coaching and accountability you need to stay on track.
Tip #2 Get That Annual Check-up
Everyone should get a check-up at least once a year. During this in-office visit, your doctor will check your vitals, reflexes and muscular strength, order blood work and other lab tests, and tell you what age-appropriate health screenings you need. Also, your provider will update your medical history, refill prescriptions, and give you vaccines such as the flu shot.
Tip #3 Start an Exercise Program to Feel and Look Better
Your primary care physician will likely recommend that you get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic every week. Whether it’s swimming, cycling, walking,or something else that raises your heart rate and works your joints, routine activity benefits all aspects of your health, including your mental well-being.
Tip #4 Stop All Tobacco Products to Avoid Serious Health Issues
Your family doctor can help you quit smoking. Prescription medications, such as nicotine patches, and local support groups are proven ways to successfully kick the habit.
Tip #5 Improve Your Sleep Habits
Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep for every adult regardless of age. If you have good sleep hygiene (shut off screens two hours before bed, have the same bed time each night, and more), you will improve your mental health, daytime productivity, and overall metabolic function.
Tip #6 Get Up And Move
Your doctor can recommend ways for you to move more during the day to benefit your overall health in terms of weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, and joint mobility and structure. This is particularly true for those with desk jobs that require sitting for several hours a day. They may advise a program of physical or occupational therapy to assist you in building endurance, managing pain, and using supports, such as braces or a walker, to help you move safely.
Tip #7 Stay in Touch With Your Provider
If you have questions about your weight loss goals or some other aspect of your health, talk with your provider. Ask for ways to improve your health and well-being. Our online patient portal is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get the answers and advice you need.
About 25% of people who make health-related resolutions can’t sustain them, most likely because they have no one to encourage and keep them accountable. Frankly, your doctor will be happy to partner with you and to communicate with you regularly.
Tip #8 Tell Your Doctor if You Feel Sad or Anxious
Your mental health is important to your overall well-being. Your provider can help identify what makes you anxious or depressed, prescribe treatments or lifestyle changes to help you improve, or get you to a mental health provider, if needed.
Tip #9 Limit Your Screen Time
Too much TV decreases cognitive sharpness. Excessive phone or laptop usage impacts your visual acuity and sleep patterns. Your doctor will advise you to pursue an active hobby or move away from your work station every hour to rest your eyes and improve circulation. Spend your free time away from all electronic screens and with nature, friends, and family. There’s so much to do outside of the electronic world that can benefit your mental health and happiness.
Tip #10 Reduce Stress
Exercise, meditation, and decreasing your work load whenever possible are great ways to reduce stress. While it is okay to be productive and successful at work, having it affect your mental well-being is not good. See your doctor more frequently for blood pressure monitoring and additional counseling on your stress levels.
Family Practice Doctors in Manatee and Sarasota Counties
Intercoastal Medical Group has 24 family practice doctors who deliver comprehensive, patient-centered medical care to individuals of all ages. If you wish to achieve and maintain your best health for years to come, we would be pleased to help you.
If it’s time for your routine check-up or you wish to start a relationship with a new family doctor, contact us online by filling in an appointment request form. Or, call the location nearest you to speak with a friendly office team member.
