Make This Year Your Best Yet!
Setting a New Year’s resolution is a time-honored tradition, but many of us find ourselves drifting away from those goals by mid-January. Usually, this happens because we focus on the "what" instead of the "how." Keeping up with daily life – work, school, family obligations -- often can make new habits feel overwhelming.
“If you did not make any New Year’s resolutions, it’s not too late,” said John A. Holets, MD, a family medicine physician at Penn Highlands Family Medicine. “If you feel compelled to make a resolution or two, consider those that impact your health.”
According to Dr. Holets, common health-related resolutions include:
- Understanding your key numbers including blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
- Getting enough rest – healthy adults should try to get seven or more hours of sleep per night for optimal health
- Eating healthy by reducing the amount of processed foods, sugar and salt from your diet
- Exercising – increasing daily movements such as going for small walks or dusting off the treadmill
- Managing mental health by incorporating stress-relieving activities like reading
- Scheduling prescribed preventive care such as an annual physical, mammogram, colonoscopy and dental visit and eye exam
The great thing about resolutions is that most people simply monitor their adherence themselves. Don’t give up on making a change. If you miss one day, there is always tomorrow. You may want to consider the tips below on how to remain faithful to your resolutions.
- Start Small: Choose an achievable goal. Instead of a daunting total, aim for something manageable, like losing 5 pounds.
- Define Your Actions: Be specific. Commit to walking for 10 minutes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or try reducing sodas from three to one per day.
- Track Your Progress: Use your phone or a calendar to log your wins.
- Find Accountability: Share your goals with a friend, family member or healthcare provider to help stay on track.
If your resolution involves better health, it may help to begin with a visit to your primary care physician or provider for personalized guidance. Your provider can review your medical history, identify any underlying issues and help you set safe and realistic goals.
The primary care physicians and providers at Penn Highlands Healthcare can help you create a plan for better health in 2026. Penn Highlands Family Medicine and Internal Medicine providers are located throughout Pennsylvania so that you can get the care you need. For more information or to find a provider near you, visit www.phhealthcare.org/findadoc.
