- As the new year approaches, the American Medical Association (AMA) offers ten recommendations to help people make the most significant, long-term health improvements in 2023
- Getting exercise, quitting smoking, moderating the consumption of alcohol can be healthy resolutions to follow //
- It is also important to know your blood sugar and blood pressure numbers along with getting screened and being up to date with vaccinations
The AMA’s 10 Recommendations for a Healthy 2023
Be more Physically Active
Adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
AMA offers 10 health recommendations for new year
Go to source).
Be Up to Date with Vaccinations
Being up to date with vaccinations including the annual influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged six months or older. Speak with the physician about the eligibility for a bivalent booster. Anyone with questions about the COVID-19 vaccines should speak with their physician and review trusted resources. Following evidence-based public health measures, such as physical distancing and wearing face masks, are also an important way to help protect against COVID-19 and the flu.
Get Screened
Statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check with the physician to find out if you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, and make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.
Know Your Blood Pressure
Understand your numbers and take necessary steps to get high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Learn About the Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Check for the risk of type 2 diabetes by checking the fasting and random glucose. Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization or death.
Stress Management
Manage stress—a good diet, sufficient sleep (at least 7.5 hours per night), daily exercise and wellness activities, such as yoga and meditation, are key ingredients to maintaining and improving your mental health, but don’t hesitate to ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it.
Reduce Intake of Processed Foods
Reduce your intake of processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, especially those with added sodium and sugar—eat less red meat and processed meats, and add more plant-based foods, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds to your diet. Also, reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink more water instead. Drinking sugary beverages, even 100% fruit juices, is associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Association of Sugary Beverage Consumption With Mortality Risk in US Adults: A Secondary Analysis of Data From the REGARDS Study
Go to source).
Reduce Alcohol
If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.
Quit Smoking and Tobacco
Talk with your doctor about tobacco and e-cigarette use (or vaping) and how to quit—declare your home and car smoke- and aerosol-free to eliminate secondhand exposure.
Follow Doctor’s Instructions When it Comes to Medication
Follow your physician’s instructions if prescribed pain medication or antibiotics— if you are taking prescription opioids or other medications, follow your doctor’s instructions, store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication. If a healthcare professional determines that you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed—antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem and antibiotics will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.
References:
- Association of Sugary Beverage Consumption With Mortality Risk in US Adults: A Secondary Analysis of Data From the REGARDS Study - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31099861/)
- AMA offers 10 health recommendations for new year - (https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/ama-offers-10-health-recommendations-new-year-0)
Source-Medindia