It’s January 6 – how are those New Year’s resolutions working out for you?
According to a poll conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion:
- More than 50 percent of Americans don’t even bother to make resolutions.
- In 2010, quitting smoking was the most popular resolution made, followed by losing weight, saving more money, being a better person, and exercising more.
- In 2010, 60 percent of Americans stuck to their resolutions for at least part of the year.
New Year’s resolutions are things always discussed and a majority of people make them – which is good thing. Having goals for the coming year, regardless of what they may be, can keep you focused on what you want to accomplish.
Whether it’s losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising more, connecting more with friends or improving other relationships – all bring value to you as a person.
A majority of resolutions typically focus on one’s health, which of course, I think is a fabulous idea!
So to help you be in that 60 percent who keep their resolutions, here are some tips you might find helpful in making 2012 a healthy year for you and your family.
Make healthy snack choices: Instead of reaching for that candy bar, go for a piece of fruit, eat some nuts or indulge in a low-fat cheese stick.
Stay active: Being active for at least 2 ½ hours per week will make a big difference. Even at work you can take the stairs instead of the elevator, park farther away from your office entrance, when possible walk over your lunch hour.
Keep those hands clean: Washing your hands often with soap and water will keep those winter bugs away. If soap and water are not an option, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is just as effective.
Good night: Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Adequate sleep is essential to your overall health. According to the National Sleep Foundation adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep, teens (10-17) should get 8.5 to 9.25 hours and school-age children (5-10) should get 10 to 11 hours.
Get checked out: Don’t put off those annual exams that you should have every year for you or your children. Those yearly visits with your doctor are key to maintaining your health. Those visits will assure that all vaccinations are current as well as other important screenings.
Stay safe: Make sure everyone in your car wears their seatbelt, install smoke detectors on every level of your home, wear sunscreen, store medications in a safe location and have emergency plans in place for your family.
Enjoy your work: Participate in healthy workplace programs, take steps to reduce job stress, adhere to smoke-free policies and stay home if you are sick.
Make 2012 a great year for you and your family – be healthy and be happy!
