New Year, New You: Master the Art of Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions All Year Round - From Fighting Obesity to Managing Asthma and Harnessing the Power of Routine Exercise

Every year, millions of people make resolutions for the new year. Keeping resolutions can prove difficult, but they don’t have to be impossible. We believe that a healthy lifestyle is a full-time commitment, not a one-time resolution.

At Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic, we are passionate about internal medicine and wellness at every age. We help people of all ages and medical backgrounds lead healthier, happier lives.

To help you stay in shape and live well in 2023, we’ve compiled this guide on how to keep new year's resolutions year-round.

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

In the United States, obesity levels are 41.9%. Many people and children struggle with their weight, and as a result, they face a serious risk of complications, such as coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

While everyone’s healthy lifestyle will differ based on their bodies and abilities, there are some key elements to a healthy life everyone needs to follow:

●     Performing routine exercise every week

●     Drinking enough water each day

●     Following a healthy diet

●     Getting enough sleep

While most people understand these are important habits, they have difficulty implementing them in their daily lives.

Part of a healthy routine requires adopting behaviors that work for you. Choose activities you enjoy, so exercise feels fun and invigorating.

When it comes to hydration, a water-tracking app or labeled water bottle can be helpful.

Healthy eating is easiest when you eliminate unhealthy foods first. Start by removing heavily processed foods from your diet, such as snack foods. You should also strive to eat enough fruits and veggies for your body.

Diet is personal, so we implore you to schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can take your entire health and lifestyle into account and offer personalized nutrition recommendations. It’s important to keep your age, health, and medical needs in mind when choosing the best diet for you.

Lastly, sleep quality is an important part of total-body wellness. Sleep gives the body an opportunity to heal and recover. If you suffer from a condition like insomnia or sleep apnea, seeking treatment is vital to protecting your long-term wellness.

Try to go to bed and wake up at similar times each day of the week; sleep in light clothes in a dark, quiet environment. The ideal sleeping temperature is between 60 to 67 degrees.

Fighting Obesity

One of the most popular new year’s resolutions is to lose weight. If you are obese, then it’s important to start an exercise plan that respects your current body size and physical ability.

Obesity is a clinical medical condition that affects every part of a person’s health, even if they do not currently show any symptoms. The increased risk for health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes is reason enough for many to start a weight loss exercise plan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests every adult perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week.

To avoid becoming demotivated, remember that everyone’s fitness journey starts somewhere. There are many people who are avid fitness enthusiasts today that were once overweight and even morbidly obese.

For beginners who have larger bodies, we suggest small, easy workouts that respect your current abilities. Even just walking for 10 minutes a day is a good start. Set a small goal that you can follow through each week. As you progress, you can increase your goals to include longer workouts.

You should also speak with your doctor about the healthiest way to lose weight. Everyone’s body is different, and you may also need help managing any health conditions you’re currently living with.

Staying Healthy With Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can affect people throughout their lives. If you have asthma, then exercise may be triggering for you. It’s important to always go slow, and only perform exercises you can safely do without being winded.

Asthmatics are also better off exercising indoors, rather than outside in cold or hot conditions that could trigger an attack.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also an important part of asthma management. Make sure that you are eating a good diet, exercising regularly, and using your inhaler as needed.

Patients can work with their doctor to find exercises that are safe for people with asthma. Parents can talk with their child’s pediatrician about what types of physical activities are safe for them to do.

Our asthma care services can help you by developing a personalized treatment plan designed to monitor, manage, and control your condition.

Benefits of Routine Exercise

Exercise is wonderful for the brain and body. Moving each day helps keep your joints healthy, strengthens muscles, and promotes a healthy weight. Exercise also benefits mental health — it can be used as a tool to lower and manage the symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders.

Additional benefits of regular exercise include:

●     Lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions

●     Improved sleep and brain function

●     Greater flexibility and range of motion

●     Reduced stress levels and inflammation throughout the body

If you are interested in adopting a new exercise regime, you should first start by reaching out to a doctor for a physical wellness assessment. It’s important to have a licensed physician assess your current health status before introducing any new workouts into your life.

A doctor can also help suggest different types of exercises based on your body, abilities, and any limitations you might have. Seniors and patients with bad backs, knees, or necks can benefit more from low-impact, gentle exercises.

Others may need guidance on how to safely start exercising with underlying health conditions. A medical assessment at IM&PC health clinic can give you the support and advice you need to start the new year off on a positive note.

Our adult wellness exams help you identify any potential conditions early, and develop a treatment plan that can reduce risks and negative impacts on your life. The new year is a great time to schedule an appointment and have a complete health assessment, especially if you’re planning to exercise more or start working out for the first time.

For expert care from compassionate doctors, schedule an appointment with the team at Internal Medicine & Pediatrics Center today. Our family medicine clinic in New Albany, MS, is here to support you at every stage of your life.