Start Small: Easy Health Resolutions for the New Year

Setting Simple & Attainably Healthy Resolutions for 2021

With the holidays coming to a halt and New Year beginning, what better time than now to take charge of your health and set? Even setting small health-focused goals can make all the difference in how you feel every day.

Take a Walk Everyday

According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended that adults aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. While working out may seem like a mountain of a task, you can take baby steps to work toward your goal. Whether you want to take a walk around your neighborhood or to head to your favorite park for a stroll, set aside 30 minutes each day to take a walk to add to your weekly activity goal.

Limit Sugary Drinks

While indulging in sugary snacks and sweets is OK in moderation, frequent sugar consumption can wreak havoc on your general health. While cutting out added sugar in general can be challenging, one of the easiest ways to do so is by limiting sugary juices and sodas from your diet.

Some drinks that are free of added sugar include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Natural fruit juices
• Water
• Drinks sweetened with stevia

Get Better Quality Sleep

Whether you decide to stay up for one extra episode of your favorite show or you try to get extra work in before bed, we often sacrifice our sleep for other commitments. But the truth is, skipping out on the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep can harm your mental and physical health.

Getting good quality rest each night can have the following positive health effects:

• Supports a healthy immune system
• Prevents weight gain
• Reduces stress levels
• Prevents heart disease
• Improves your mood

Some simple ways you can get a better night’s rest include:

• Remove electronics from your bedroom
• Use light-blocking curtains or a sleep mask
• Keep your bedroom quiet
• Keep your bedroom at a cool temperature
• Go to bed at the same time each night
• Wake up at the same time each morning
• Wind down for bed for at least 30 minutes
• Don’t use electronics before bed

Stay Up-to-Date on Your Vaccinations

Contrary to popular belief, immunizations are not just for children—vaccines can wear off over time, making it important for adults to get vaccinated, too. Staying up-to-date on your vaccines is one of the best ways you can protect you and your loved ones from harmful diseases that can lead to extensive health complications.

Here are a list of what vaccines are needed according to your age:

• Infants (0-13 months): HepB, DTap, Hib, IPV, PCV, RV, flu,
• Toddlers (1-3 years): Chickenpox, DTap, Hib, MMR, PCV, HepA, HepB, flu
• Children (4-12 years):b DTaP, IPV, MMR, Chickenpox, flu, Meningococcal conjugate, HPV, Tdap
• Teens (13-18 years): Flu
• Young adults (18-60): Tdap, HPV, flu, Meningitis
• Seniors (60+): Pneumococcal, Tdap, Zoster

CCH is open, safe and ready to see you.

With almost 80 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in nearly 20 specialties, CCH is committed to your wellbeing right here at home. If you have been putting off a visit to your doctor for a regular checkup, contact them; they can help weigh your personal healthcare risk and avoid further delayed diagnoses.

Visit www.cchwyo.org/findadoc to find your provider or clinic.

For medical emergencies, call 911. If you are in crisis and need to talk to a counselor, please call 307-688-5555.