Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM DECEMBER 28, 2022 - JANUARY 3, 2023 UCW 17 Health resolutions doctors encourage patients to make today for a healthier New Year a StatePoint STAFF REPORT e New Year represents a fresh start and is the perfect time to invest in your health. How- ever, you may be unsure what resolutions will have the biggest impact. Doctors say that the easy, tangible actions you take are some of the most important. "Many people kick off the start of each new year with big-picture health resolutions," says Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D., president of the Ameri- can Medical Association. "e good news is that small, positive health choices made right now can have long-lasting effects." Want to get started today? Here are the 10 resolutions the AMA recommends to top your list this year: 1. Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health, so get moving today. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. 2. Vaccination is the best protection against a number of serious illnesses. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Your doctor can let you know if you're due for a COVID booster. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvac- cineanswers.org. 3. Get screened. Estimates based on statisti- cal models show that since April 2020, mil- lions of screenings for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disrup- tions. Check in with your physician. If you're due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment. ese measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious. 4. High blood pressure, also known as hy- pertension, can increase your risk of heart at- tack or stroke, and it affects millions of Ameri- cans. Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and what you can do to get your blood pressure under control. 5. One in 3 American adults has prediabetes, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. However, there are steps you can take that can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking a simple two-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. is resource also features helpful lifestyle tips that can help you reverse prediabetes. 6. Whenever possible, drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages and replace pro- cessed foods — especially those with added sodium and sugar — with nutritious, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, herbs and spices. 7. If consuming alcohol, drink only in mod- eration. e U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Ameri- cans defines that as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age. 8. Speak with your doctor or health care pro- fessional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. 9. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking prescription drugs — especially opi- oids. Always store and dispose of these medi- cations safely to prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not taking the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem, and will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu. 10. Invest in your mental health by manag- ing stress, getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health profes- sional when you need it. If you don't have health insurance, the AMA encourages you to sign up for coverage at healthcare.gov, which has new, affordable options. e enrollment deadline for 2023 coverage is Jan. 15, 2023. Find more health resources at ama-assn.org. For a healthy 2023 and beyond, invest in your wellness with these doctor-recommend- ed New Year's resolutions. HEALTH