It’s a New Year and that means it’s a great time to make new goals and aim for your best health. Taking an assessment of your current health status and your numbers is the first step in achieving optimal health. Here are a few tips to consider when assessing your health.
Know Your Numbers
More than just knowing your weight or height (which is important), you need to keep track of all of your numbers. Take measurements of different areas of your body including your arms, legs, neck, waist, calf, etc. Knowing your baseline is important and will help you maintain or track achievements if you are looking to lose weight.
You don’t have to get on the scale every day because the fluctuations or lack of change if you are trying to lose weight, can be disheartening. Weekly or monthly weigh-ins are ideal.
More numbers you should know include your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Get Your Yearly Exams
You should see your primary care physician (internal medicine or family medicine), and your OB/GYN at minimum yearly. You should see your eye doctor and dentist regularly as well.
Get Your Preventative Screenings
As we age, we must take advantage of the medical tools created to prevent disease. We don’t want to wait until something bad happens to take action. Mammograms and Colonoscopies should be recommended by your physician at the appropriate age. Don’t skip these.
Reassess Your Diet
Clean that frig and pantry. Get rid of all the unhealthy junk and replace it with healthy foods so you can start the year off right. It is important to have healthy foods on hand to eat in a pinch so you won’t succumb to quick unhealthy carbs and sugary treats. Be sure to “eat your colors” with a colorful plate and consider a daily multivitamin and Vitamin D supplementation.
Incorporate Exercise
Last but not least, incorporate exercise this year. Moving 30 minutes a day has amazing health benefits and will make you look and feel well!
