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Jackson Hospital
Make them
work for you
Resolve right now to make an appointment with your primary care provider. If you don’t have one,
call The Jackson Clinic at 334-293-8888.
Eat one more serving of fruit each
day. Or maybe you can go meat-
less one day per week.
COMMUNITY
HEALTHY CHANGES
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.
Get over-the-counter stop-smoking
aids, such as patches or gum. Or ask
your healthcare provider about pre-
scriptions that can help. Throw out your
ashtrays and cigarettes on your quit day.
Quit smoking—and don’t give up on
your decision. 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.
Move more. If it’s been a while since
you were physically active, start slowly.
Try exercising 15 minutes a day, three
days a week. Then gradually do more.
Remind yourself that this goal will also
help reduce stress.
PLAN—THEN ACT
So you’ve decided to make a change. Next, think about how you’ll meet your goal and get prepared. You might:
Pick out a few tasty recipes that
use whole grains, veggies or
beans. Make a shopping list of
any ingredients you need.
Find a fitness buddy. Ask a friend
or family member to commit to
exercising with you.
GO—AND KEEP GOING
Here’s your final step. Put your plans into action on New Year’s Day—or sooner if you feel like it. If you get
off course, don’t give up. Just remember why you decided to make the change, and start again.
Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Cancer Society; American Psychological Association; Mental Health America
GET FOCUSED
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: