At the beginning of each year, people make a list of what they want to achieve for that year. There are many types of New Year resolutions; but in this age, a good list should be focused on your health. So here are the top ten health resolutions for 2008 that can make you healthy and prolong your life.
Increase Your Awareness About Health
Being in the know about many aspects of health can go a long way in your pursuit of a happy and healthy life. Things like ideal weight, important vitamins and minerals, correct posture, right amount of sleep, and proper skin care among other health issues will allow you to prevent or avoid many diseases not only for this year, but for the rest of your life.
Do Regular Exercises
You may have spent a lot of time on your sofa or office chair. So this year, it is time to add more activity to your life, and the best way to stretch your body is through exercise. Studies have repeatedly shown that regular exercise can significantly lower the risk of debilitating diseases like heart ailments, various forms of cancers, and hypertension among others; it also gets you back in shape!
Visit The Doctor And Have Screen Tests
Another year means another increment to your age. As you get older, you need to make it a point to see your doctor and have a medical test every year. Checks must be done for you to know where you stand as to blood pressure, sugar level, cholesterol levels, and other vital aspects of your health. After the New Year fireworks have cleared away, you must remember to set an appointment with your doctor.
Say No To Alcohol
Alcoholism can bring you diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis. As heavy drinking can damage your liver, you are left with a malfunctioning cleansing system in your body. This will pave the way for the accumulation of toxins and other wastes and lead to the development of other diseases. The perfect timing to put a stop to your drinking habits is during the New Year as it represents a fresh start in your life.
Stop Smoking
Your smoking habit deserves a special mention on your list of New Year resolutions; because it is such a hard habit to break and it runs completely contrary to your health and fitness goals. You can make use of a wide array of products that can help you quit smoking; like nicotine patches and nicotine replacement chewing gums. A smoke-free year is a good start for your overall health.
Watch Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure has always been compared to a ticking time bomb. With the way that most Americans are living their lives, high blood pressure has become one of the most devastating health conditions around; the worst part is, you never know when it will hit you. This is why you have to put special attention to and maintain an ideal blood pressure.
Start Taking Vitamin And Mineral Supplements
Vitamins and minerals are very important for your health. But the problem is you can not get all these nutrients from the food that you eat everyday. As 2008 ushers in, it is time for you to pop into your mouth all the important pills or supplements that will augment the levels of all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
Get Better Sleep
You may not be aware of it, but you are getting less and less sleep as the years go by. And that can really be bad for your health. Despite the hectic daily work schedule or big responsibilities at home, always squeeze in at least eight hours of continuous sleep every night.
Enjoy Life
Having a positive take on life in general is a big step towards attaining a happier and disease-free life. It is no use if you only focus on your physical aspects and you forget about your mental or spiritual well-being. Enjoying your life more despite problems at home or at work will allow you to have a balanced way of life.
Lose Unwanted Pounds
Among all types of New Year resolutions, losing weight has been a mainstay on the list. And this has gained more significance now that over 60% of all Americans are considered obese. Being overweight can bring all sorts of ailments physically and mentally.
Come to think of it, losing weight has all the benefits that all the other resolutions mentioned above can provide. Going for your ideal weight is like hitting the whole nine yards of good health. So, as you start a new year, you might want to set realistic goals and focus on the prospect of shedding all those unwanted pounds.