A New Year offers new opportunities to improve your health. Here are several resolutions for a healthier 2023.

Make healthy food choices. Depending on your medical conditions, work harder to cut back on fats, carbohydrates and salt, while increasing fiber. Drinking plenty of water has also proven helpful for multiple conditions.

Increase exercise and physical activity. Current recommendations are to achieve at least 150 minutes of activity weekly. You are more likely to stick to it if you choose activities that you enjoy doing. Find an accountability partner to keep you on track.

Lose weight. If you’re overweight, set a goal to lose 7-10% of your body weight. This small percentage has shown benefit in slowing the progression of and reducing the risk for complications of many disease processes.

Schedule an annual physical. Many insurance companies allow annual exams and screening blood work to be done. This is considered a wellness exam with your primary care provider. Be sure to fast before your appointment so that blood sugar and cholesterol can be checked, if needed.

Get screenings. Your physical is a good time to discuss the recommended screenings for prostate, colon and cervical cancers. Bone density screenings are done for possible osteoporosis. Women over age 40 should have an annual mammogram.

Get immunized. This is the time of year we think about flu shots; however, there are others to remember. For adolescents, there are vaccinations to help reduce the risk of meningitis and spread of HPV (human papillomavirus). Many individuals need to update their tetanus shots. For adults over age 65, consider vaccinations for shingles and pneumonia.

Read and work puzzles. Studies show that keeping the mind active and challenged can help delay the onset or progression of memory loss.

Relax and rest. Although people “require” different amounts of sleep, we all need to take some time to rest our minds and bodies.

Have fun and enjoy life. Do activities you enjoy. Take time to go to the park or visit a family member or friend. Share love and companionship with others. It will do you both good!

Stay motivated. What is it that pushes you to be the best version or yourself? Figure out your “why.” Then, remember it when things get challenging.

Happy New Year!