5 Practical Goals For Good Health In 2016
- Get Fit
Perhaps it is a result of the overindulgences of the holiday season, but getting fit is one of the most common new years resolutions for both men and women. For many people this involves setting specific short-term goals of losing a few inches or dropping a few pounds.
Getting a gym membership or treadmill are common solutions to the getting fit problem, but sadly these strategies often fall short. So in 2016 why not start your road to fitness by adding an activity that you truly enjoy? This may simply be resolving to take a walk each morning, to start running again or re-introducing yourself to a sport that you once enjoyed.
- Watch What You Eat
Exercising is only one half of the fitness equation. Without good nutrition most exercise and weight loss programs fall short. There are no shortages of fad diets that may result in temporary, short-term weight loss; but most have been shown to be ineffective in the long term.
A well balanced diet rich in whole grains and colourful fruits and vegetables has always been the best way to go. There is nothing wrong with the occasional steak, but why not try substituting with other healthy choices such as tuna or salmon now and then? You would be surprised at how good turkey bacon really is!
Wholesale changes to diet can be difficult to implement…so try making one change at-a-time. Perhaps resolve to have a salad-based lunch everyday.
- Go To The Doctor
Men are less likely to go to the doctor than women. They are also 79% more likely to die from heart disease, 57% more likely to die from diabetes, and 40% more likely to die from cancer compared to women.
Many people will only go to their doctor when they fall ill, but regular visits to your physician can result in the early identification of issue that can be dealt with in a proactive manner. Regular cholesterol checks, blood pressure checks, cancer screenings, diabetes testing and mental health monitoring are important to avoiding serious disease.
- Quit Smoking
It is the single best thing you can do for yourself. Talk to your doctor.
- Manage Your Stress
Stress is part of life. However, how we manage this stress can have a significant impact on our work, family and health. Research has shown that negative stress can affect the cardiovascular, nervous, immune and digestive systems.
Techniques to help manage stress include exercise, planned relaxation, music, meditation, yoga and counseling. Determining the cause of your stress is important to finding a suitable solution. If these stress management techniques do not work, talk to your doctor.