Top Tips to Kick Off a Healthy Year

The holidays are behind you, and you probably started 2020 with a bang (or noisemakers, at least). If you’re like most people, your New Year’s resolution list contains at least one or two health-related goals. To help you get there, Virtua Health offers the following strategies for success.

Don’t just get physical – get A physical

Our first tip is one that’s often overlooked. January is a great time to take stock of your health by scheduling your annual physical. Your annual physical is a great time for your doctor to get to know you better, to make sure you’re up-to-date on preventative health screenings, immunizations, cancer screenings, and to assess your overall health. Don’t wait—make an appointment with your primary care physician today.

But DO get physical, too

It’s easy in the cold weather to ignore exercise and just curl up on the couch with a blanket to binge-watch Netflix. However, getting just 30 minutes of exercise a day, several days a week, can have a big impact on your health. Virtua fitness centers in Moorestown and Voorhees offer medically integrated programs, plus the latest equipment, aquatics and group classes. But, if the gym isn’t your jam, go for a walk, search YouTube for exercise videos that match your interests, try a fitness-on-demand subscription, or look for community classes and events such as Yoga or Tai-Chi.

Kick up your nutrition a notch

You don’t have to cut out all of your favorite foods, but improving your diet offers numerous benefits, such as shedding a few pounds, increasing your energy, and avoiding or improving conditions like type-2 diabetes and high cholesterol. If you’re unsure of where to start or how to cook healthfully, check out one of our healthy cooking demonstrations or our plant-based wellness program to learn how to create dishes that are nutritious AND delicious.

Get more ZZZs

Getting adequate sleep is another overlooked suggestion that can pay big dividends. When you’re sleep deprived, everything suffers, from mood to memory. Getting a good night’s sleep also can improve immunity and combat weight gain. If you’re struggling with sleep, consider getting help from a sleep medicine specialist.

Change your mindset

If you struggle with making healthy choices, don’t focus on losing weight or giving up your favorite foods. Try shifting your focus to what you’ll gain –energy to enjoy activities you love, looking your best at the next big family event, and most importantly, improved health when it’s time for your 2021 check-up!

Virtua is here to get you where you want to be.

Call 888-847-8823 to schedule an appointment with a Virtua primary care doctor. 

Updated January 2, 2020