Attainable Health Tips for the New Year

Many people make changes in their life with the new year, most commonly to live a healthier lifestyle. We’re not here to steer you toward a certain diet or lifestyle, but instead give you a few tips to get you in YOUR right direction. As always, discussing changes in your lifestyle should be done with your doctor.

• Blood Work—Discuss with your doctor about the benefits of having your blood work done. This panel could shed some light into any deficiencies or high levels your body is experiencing and provide helpful information such as your blood type.
  
  
• Food Allergy Tests—Different foods may cause excess inflammation in your body. If you suspect a food allergy, work with your trained medical professional to get to the root of it.
  
  
• Set S.M.A.R.T Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely)—Whatever your health or wellness goals are, make sure to set goals that are realistic and measurable so you can track your progress – and feel great about it! There are many scams and fad diets that will get you results quickly, but it doesn’t mean they are healthy, or sustainable.
  
  
• Move Your Body—This is an easy, yet quickly pushed-aside habit. Moving your body by taking a walk outside or playing with your kids for even just 20 minutes a day has many benefits.
  
  
• Drink water—We know you know this one. So increase that water intake!
  
  
• Check in With Yourself—Come out of auto-pilot and check in with yourself through the day. Be present during your meals, assess how your body is feeling after sitting at your desk for hours or ask yourself the last time you drank from your water bottle.
  
  
• Be Intentional—Take a moment before you give into a bad temptation to check in with your brain and body to see if it is something you really need. It may be enough to stop you from following through with it.

Making better decisions for yourself on a consistent basis is hard. Breaking old habits and starting new ones is often difficult. We encourage you to do your own research, talk with your doctor, and give yourself the gift of a better life—whatever that may look like for YOU.