This year, instead of promising to get organized, clean out the garage, or climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, choose resolutions you actually will keep — and ones that can boost your health.
1. Eat more.
Who can resist a resolution that lets you eat more food? Research from the National Cancer Institute shows that eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day improves health and reduces the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes — depending on age, gender, and physical activity.
Try these tips for getting your daily five.
Sip on fruit or vegetable juice.
Keep dried fruit in your work desk.
Keep fruit and vegetables visible and accessible to your children.
Grate or chop vegetables, then add to recipes.
Add fresh fruit to shakes or smoothies.
2. Buckle up!
Wear your seatbelt. Remember, you are protecting not only your life, but those of your children as well. Statistics from the National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) show children follow the example of the driver: When the driver wears a seatbelt, children are much more likely to wear their seatbelts than when drivers do not wear their seatbelts. Make wearing seatbelts a habit by appointing your children junior deputies who go through a checklist each time you get in the car. Seatbelt on Mom? Dad? Sis? Your kids will love this authority!
3. Slather on the sunscreen.
Lower your risk of skin cancer by wearing sunscreen every day — no matter what time of year. Even when there are clouds, as much as 80 percent of ultraviolet rays reach your skin, and sun reflected off snow or sand is damaging as well. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher any day you are going to be outdoors for more than 20 minutes. Save yourself time by buying makeup or moisturizers that have sunscreen in them. Cover your lips, face, and hands — all areas that are exposed to the sun.
4. Get active.
Studies have shown that exercise not only boosts your health, but also can prolong your life. Your body needs to be active on a regular basis, no matter your age.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any major changes in your habits, but most doctors and health experts recommend the equivalent of 150 minutes of brisk walking or 90 minutes of jogging each week. Look for ways to add exercise to your daily schedule.
Ride your bike to work.
Take the stairs.
Park at the outer edge of the parking lot.
Go for a walk or bike ride as a family after dinner.
Mow the lawn, dig in the garden, vacuum with vigor.
5. Become a person of prayer.
Talking to God is good for your health! Prayer halts diseases, keeps people mentally healthy during times of great duress, and can lead to complete healing.