Prepare for a Healthy New Year!

For many people, the approach of a new year often means a renewed focus on how to make things healthier for their families. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing other healthy habits are an important part of keeping your family healthy and happy in the coming year.

As 2014 comes to an end and 2015beckons you forward, take the time to review and look back at the year that has passed.

• Are you at a healthy weight?
• Do you exercise enough each week?
• Do you select healthy food choices?
• Do you spend quality time with your family and friends?
• Have you met the career goals you set for yourself?
• Do you have a positive, optimistic attitude about life?
• Are you financially stable and secure?

Once you evaluate where you stand now, look toward the new year and make plans now for what you want.

Here are several helpful tips on how you can have a healthier, more positive New Year:

Get a checkup with your doctor. Find out how you’re doing health-wise so you can set goals to improve your health with proper diet and exercise.

Set some personal health goals. Write your goals into a notebook and keep it handy. Track your progress of reaching your goals.

Get moving. Exercise is vital at any age. Explore local health clubs, gyms, personal trainers as well as at-home equipment to help you get fit and healthy.

Quit smoking. Smoking is connected to many chronic diseases and you can save a lot of money over the next year if you quit smoking.

Reduce the stress in your life. Stress includes daily events like deadlines at work, long drive times with excess traffic, and more activities.

The New Year has long been a time for reflection on the personal changes we want to make as we look forward to a year of healthy possibilities. Health-related goals are popular New Year’s resolutions, but sometimes we may not know where to begin. By following the above tips, you will be well prepared to successfully achieve your health resolutions for 2015.