Goodbye, 2021, and hello, 2022!
Goodbye, 2021, and hello, 2022! Be honest with yourself: Did you keep up with last year’s resolutions? Every year, we tend to set goals that often fall through the cracks by February or March. With everything going on in the world, it can be easy to feel like things are out of your control and that following through with healthy habits is too much of a challenge.
However, our team at New York Health is here to show you that there are plenty of healthy habits you can improve in 2022 that you ARE in control of.
1. Sleeping Better
One thing that we tend to take for granted is sleep. On average, you should be getting between seven to eight hours of sleep — nothing less. However, failure to do so can lead to some serious health conditions over time, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, to name a few.
While everyday stressors can be to blame for your lack of sleep, other stimulants — such as your smartphone — can be keeping you awake. To get a good night’s rest, you must create a sleep schedule in a conscious effort.
From drinking a cup of decaffeinated tea to shutting off your phone an hour before bed, making small but simple strides can help set you up for sleeping success.
2. Drinking More Water
With an array of delectable beverages to choose from, it’s no wonder why water usually becomes a secondary choice for most individuals. But, if you happen to shy away from consuming the daily recommended amount of H2O and opt for a sugary beverage instead, you are setting yourself up for defeat.
Drinking water does more than hydrate your body — it can lessen the chance of hard stool, constipation, dry skin, fatigue, and so much more. On average, The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine states that women should drink 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) a day, while men should drink 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water a day.
3. Exercising Often
Exercise should be a key part of your daily routine. Even if you’re not lifting the heaviest of weights or running a mile, it’s important to do your best to stay active. Especially when you’re sitting at your desk for countless hours per day, lack of exercise can gradually lead to a series of adverse health issues.
Consulting with your physician first, you should strive to perform moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day. If you’re looking to start slow, there are a variety of great low-intensity activities to choose from, such as:
● Walking at a moderate pace
● Swimming (weather permitting)
● Going for a light jog around your neighborhood
● Riding your bike and more
4. Eating Healthier
If you feel that you’ve been letting healthy eating fall by the wayside in the past year, it’s time to take control and make it your mission to eat better this year. Before making any sudden changes to your diet, it’s always important to consult with your physician first. Especially if you have any underlying conditions, your primary care doctor will be able to discuss dietary suggestions with you and list those you should avoid that could put your condition at risk.
5. Scheduling Routine Checkups
To be honest, when was the last time you scheduled a checkup with your doctor? It’s essential to ensure you’re seeing your doctor regularly, as they can detect any issues that are slowly creeping up on your health. Every patient is different and depending on your risk factor, family history, or current health status, regular visits with your physician are the best way to catch problems before they become worse.
Leading Primary Care Providers
At New York Health, we’re committed to providing the best primary care in New York. From childhood to adulthood, we have a dedicated team of compassionate physicians to take care of all generations.
To request an appointment, call us at (631) 758-7003; we look forward to speaking with you.