Make a Healthy Resolution...and Keep It!
By Tanya Crisp,NNMC Physician Relations Coordinator
Tanya Crisp
Some general tips for setting -- and keeping -- your resolutions include:
- Making them practical with your lifestyle.
- Being committed and confident.
- Telling family and friends about your goals. This can help develop a support system.
- Making sure that your goals are measurable, observable, specific and timely. Use the acronym MOST to help you remember this.
Here are some ways you can keep some of the most frequently made New Year's resolutions all year long.
Slim Down and Shape Up
Losing weight is one of the most common goals that people set. To take the pounds off safely, consider these strategies:
- Set small, specific goals. Instead of saying, "I'm going to lose 20 pounds," decide that you'll be more active every other day of the week. This strategy may work for other resolutions, too.
- Find "sneaky" ways to get exercise. Use the stairs, park your car a block or two away or take dance lessons.
- Start cooking at home more often and eating out less. Find some new and exciting recipes that are light on calories but high in flavor.
- Work with your doctor to develop a good weight and calorie plan for your height, build and age. If you need a primary care physician to help with this, we can help you find one.
Looking for a physician? For a FREE referral, please call Direct DoctorsSM Plus at 356-NNMC (6662).
Boost Your Finances
Many of us want to get out of debt and save more money. Try these tips:
- Set a budget, and write down everything you spend for a month. Stop the minor cash drains -- $10 here, $20 there -- on things that aren't necessary.
- Don't use credit cards if you can't afford to pay them off in a month or two.
- If you do have credit card debt, pay more than the minimum amount owed every month. Put the biggest payments toward the cards with the highest interest rates.
- Look for discounts at local businesses. If you join the NNMC Advantage Program, you can get discounts at restaurants, specialty stores and more.
To sign up, please visit www.NNMC.com or call 356-NNMC (6662).
Lower Your Work Stress
Workplace stress can more than double your risk for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Try these tips.
- Look for projects that get you involved in decision-making.
- If you have chronic stressors that can't be changed, try support groups, meditating, exercise, relaxation techniques and/or counseling.
- Watch for signs of burnout, such as a lack of patience, a tendency to become annoyed more often or a change in sleep habits or appetite. If you're having these symptoms, talk to a counselor or your physician.
FREE stress management series at NNMC! Click here for full details.
Kick That Habit
Smoking and heavy drinking are two habits that need to go for good. They're both linked to serious health problems and can be a health hazard to those around you. If you're pregnant, smoke and alcohol are especially dangerous to developing fetuses. Here are some steps that may help you quit:
- Be aware of the problem. Generally, a woman who has more than three drinks per occasion, or a man who has more than four drinks per occasion, is at risk of developing a drinking problem. For smoking, keep in mind that there's no safe tobacco product, including snuff or chewing tobacco.
- Add up all the money you spend on cigarettes. Ask yourself what you'd rather do with that money over the next 10 years.
- Consider seeing a counselor. It also may help to use a self-help group, 12-step program or telephone support line.
- Talk to your doctor about medicine that can help ease your withdrawal symptoms.
If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol, consider NNMC's medical stabilization program. To learn more, visit www.NNMC.com and click on Hospital Services A-L, then on Addiction Recovery.
Smoking is not permitted on the Northern Nevada Medical Center campus.
