Following two months of over-sized meals, holiday travels and winter stress, the holiday season concludes with a brand new year, and the chance to make a fresh start on all of your wellness goals. From eating less and exercising more to scheduling time for sleep and check-ups, January presents an opportunity for annual aspirations to become tangible realities.

With over two-thirds of Americans overweight, many of us put weight loss at the top of our New Year’s resolutions. Studies show that a slow, steady weight loss is a safer and more effective way to lose weight; small changes to your daily routine will help you achieve a healthier lifestyle. Depending on your own weight, physicians and dieticians consider one-half to 2 pounds of weight loss per week a reasonable target. To learn more visit the NetWellness feature, Weight Loss the Safe and Sensible Way: Changes to Last a Lifetime!

Thanks to busy lives, wellness often gets pushed to the bottom of our priorities, so January is the perfect time to make those critical doctor and screening appointments. Routine physical exams are essential to detect problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Your age determines how often you should receive a physical, so consult your doctor and plan ahead for the years to come. Since the frequency of screenings for colon, prostate, breast, cervical and skin cancers varies, your doctor can help you determine what tests and timing are right for you.

Taking good care of yourself matters. It is a self-renewing process that nourishes friends, loved ones, work and daily life: an exciting and energizing journey. Instead of thinking of all the things you should do; think of the very first thing you want to do. Start down the road with a single step. That single step will bring another and still another. You will see the results you want, one small step at a time!

New You, New Year: Where to Start

Other NetWellness articles that may be useful are listed below: 

• Visit Your Doctor! Reduce Your Risk and Prevent Disease
• Eat Smart! Healthy Weight Overview
• Feel the Burn! Build Strength and Use it to Lose Weight
• Kick the Habit! How to Quit Smoking and Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
• Get Your Rest! Common Sense Tips for Good Sleep

For more information:

Go to the Wellness Center health topic.