2024-01-02 20:36:00
Committing to healthy New Year’s resolutions can improve your chances of having a great 2024
(Dennis Thompson – HealthDay News) – Are you still weighing whether to make a New Year’s resolution? Or maybe you regret giving up your healthy habits during the holidays?
Either way, the American Medical Association (AMA) has ten recommendations to help Americans improve their health in 2024.
“It’s pretty common following the holidays to think regarding how much you’ve eaten or your reduced physical activity and get discouraged,” said AMA President Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld.
“But the good news is that you don’t need to make big health changes all at once. “You can make small, positive health decisions right now that can have lasting effects,” Ehrenfeld added in a WADA news release.
The American Medical Association recommends at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise to improve physical and mental health in 2024 (Illustrative image Infobae)
The AMA’s recommendations for a healthier new year include:
Increase physical activity. Exercise is essential for physical and mental health. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Eat healthier. Reduce your intake of sugary drinks and processed foods, drink more water, and eat more nutritious whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats.
Get up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines are available to protect people once morest COVID, influenza, and RSV during this winter’s cold and flu season. Make sure everyone in your family has all recommended vaccines.
Reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods is key to a healthier diet (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Go to your scheduled health exams. Millions of screening tests for breast, colorectal and prostate cancers might have been missed due to pandemic-related disruptions, researchers estimate. Consult your doctor to find out if you should be screened.
Know your blood pressure numbers. Controlling high blood pressure can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Know your risk of type 2 diabetes. A simple two-minute online self-assessment test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org can indicate your risk of diabetes, giving you the opportunity to take steps to prevent the development of the chronic condition.
Drink in moderation. Follow guidelines that recommend two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
A simple online self-assessment test can reveal the risk of type 2 diabetes, offering an opportunity to take preventive measures (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Stop smoking. Tobacco and vaping can trigger a nicotine addiction and affect your health. Your doctor can offer you resources and guidance to quit smoking.
Use prescribed medications safely. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescribed medications, especially antibiotics. Not completing the full course of antibiotics can contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant germs. Also store prescription opioids safely, take them as directed, and properly dispose of leftover pills.
Control stress. Get enough sleep, seven to eight hours a night, and seek help from a mental health professional if necessary.
Another tip for a healthy New Year: Make sure you have health insurance coverage.
Quitting smoking is crucial to avoid nicotine addiction and protect health, recommends the AMA (Getty)
The AMA encourages people to visit healthcare.gov to enroll in health coverage, as recent changes have improved access and affordability. The deadline to sign up for 2024 coverage is January 16.
More information. Harvard Medical School has more information on how to make New Year’s resolutions happen.
SOURCE: American Medical Association, press release, December 19, 2023
* Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporters ©The New York Times 2023
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