Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Winter 2020

WELLNESS A new year, a fresh start. The first of January may find you ready to make some changes for your health. But if you are afraid that New Year’s resolutions are only for dreamers, take a fresh approach. Try these tips to help make this year’s resolutions stick for good. GOAL: Eat one more serving of fruit each day. Or maybe you can go meatless one day per week. You might: Pick out a few tasty recipes that use whole grains, vegetables or beans. Make a shopping list of any ingredients you need. GOAL: Quit smoking — and don’t give up. Are you afraid you might break down and smoke a cigarette? Or even buy a pack? It’s OK. Decide right now that you will get back on track if that happens. You might: Get over-the-counter stop-smoking aids, such as patches or gum. Or ask your health care provider about pre- scriptions that can help. Plan to throw out your ashtrays and cigarettes on your quit day. New Year’s resolutions: It’s better to make one or two changes at a time. Don’t try to overhaul your whole lifestyle at once. Come up with simple, clear steps to take. For example, you might resolve to: Resolve right now to make an appointment with a primary care provider. If you don’t have one, find one online at lakeregional.com/physicians . Get focused. So you’ve decided to make a change. Next, think about how you’ll meet your goal and get prepared. Plan and then act. Here’s your final step. Choose a date, and put your plans into action. Go — and keep going. Don’t give up. Just remember why you decided to make the change, and start again. If you get off course: 4 | Winter 2020