Healthy Resolutions for 2023: Advice from Top Physicians
Key Takeaways:
- Boost physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
- Top health tips include managing stress, reducing processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, opting for water, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, staying updated with vaccinations, routine health screenings, monitoring blood pressure, understanding the risk of type 2 diabetes, and following doctor’s instructions on medication use.
- Small, positive lifestyle changes now can have a long term beneficial impact on our lives.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers more tips for maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle.
- Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice on maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
As the New Year approaches, individuals worldwide are laying the groundwork for healthier lifestyles through New Year’s resolutions. The American Medical Association (AMA) have put forth some valuable suggestions about the most beneficial commitments you can make.
Boost Physical Activity
The AMA recommends adults enhance their physical activity. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
AMA president, Dr. Jack Resneck Jr., extols the virtues of making small, positive health choices. In fact, it’s often the little changes we make now that can impact our lives for years to come.
AMA’s Top Ten Tips for Health
Here are the AMA’s top ten tips to help you live a healthier life:
1. Manage your stress through a healthy diet, regular sleep, daily exercise and wellness activities such as yoga and meditation. Seek professional mental health assistance when necessary.
2. Reduce consumption of processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly those high in added sodium and sugar. Instead, incorporate more plant-based foods like olive oil, nuts, and seeds into your diet.
3. Opt for water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Even 100% fruit juices pose a higher risk for all-cause mortality.
4. Limit consumption of alcohol to moderate levels – a maximum of one drink per day for women and two for men.
5. If you use tobacco or e-cigarettes, consult with your doctor about quitting. Keep your home and car smoke-free to prevent secondhand exposure.
6. Stay updated with your vaccinations. Ensure that every family member is current with all vaccines, including the flu and COVID-19 jabs.
7. Keep up with your health screenings. Routine screenings can prevent several diseases like breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
8. Monitor your blood pressure numbers. You can best understand what’s normal for you by being regularly informed. Managing high blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
9. Understand your risk of type 2 diabetes. You can do this via online self-screening tests. Lifestyle modifications today can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
10. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions if you are on prescription opioids or other medications. Store them safely to prevent misuse and dispose of any leftovers responsibly. Always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
Additional Resources
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides useful tips for cultivating a heart healthy lifestyle.
Remember, this information is a guide and it’s always best to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
