As the new year dawns, the common pledges to rejuvenate your health usually center around diet, exercise, and weight loss. By this time, you might already be in the process of implementing changes or, at the very least, formulating plans to achieve these objectives. However, it's worth considering delving deeper and venturing beyond these three well - trodden paths.
Presented below are ten frequently overlooked, straightforward strategies designed to enhance your personal health and safety. And the best part? Most of them require minimal effort.
Review Your Health Portals
Your medical data is stored in electronic records, accessible via the patient portal linked to your doctor's practice. Set aside some dedicated time to update the portal passwords and carefully examine recent records of your appointments, test results, and the notes your doctor made during your consultations.
"Numerous studies have demonstrated that when patients review these notes, they have a significantly better recollection of their interactions with healthcare providers. This leads to more effective medication management and the identification of errors, whether it's an overlooked appointment or an inaccuracy in the documentation by the doctor, nurse, or therapist," states Dr. Tom Delbanco, the John F. Keane & Family Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a co - founder of the OpenNotes initiative. This initiative has made shared clinician notes a new standard in healthcare.
Engaging in this practice can empower you to take a more active role in your healthcare. "We know from extensive research that patients who are actively involved in shared decision - making with their caregivers tend to experience better health outcomes," he further adds.
Inquire About Health Insurance Perks
Your insurance plan may come with various benefits that can contribute to improved health, such as:
- Weight loss and cessation programs, which can provide structured support for those aiming to shed pounds or break unhealthy habits.
- Smoking cessation programs, offering resources and assistance to help you quit smoking.
- Free or discounted gym memberships, making it more accessible and affordable to incorporate exercise into your routine.
Some insurers even offer breastfeeding counseling and related equipment. Reach out to your insurance company directly or thoroughly explore their website to uncover any such offerings that could be beneficial to you.
Dispose of Expired Medications
Thoroughly search your cabinets for expired or unneeded medications, as these can pose risks to you and others. This includes prescription and over - the - counter drugs in various forms like pills, liquids, creams, lotions, droppers, or aerosol cans, as well as dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
Take the medications you find to a drug take - back location, such as a pharmacy or a law enforcement facility, or a medical waste collection site like the local landfill.
If there are no other options, you can dispose of medications in the trash. However, first mix them with unappealing substances like cat litter or used coffee grounds, and then place the mixture in a sealable plastic bag or container.
Invest in a New Pair of Sneakers
Incorrect equipment can derail any exercise regimen, and for many, worn - out sneakers are the main culprit. Examine your shoes for signs of wear, including holes, flattened arch support, and worn - down treads. Acquiring a new pair of sneakers might just inspire you to enliven your walking or running routine.
For instance, if your budget allows, purchase a new pair of walking shoes that feature a wide toe box for comfort, cushioned insoles for shock absorption, good arch support to maintain proper foot alignment, a sturdy heel counter to provide stability around the heel, stretchy uppers for a snug fit, and the correct length—at least half an inch longer than your longest toe.
Explore New Health Apps
The digital landscape is teeming with over 350,000 health apps tailored for consumer health. These apps can assist you in a multitude of ways, from managing medications or chronic conditions to offering guidance and reminders for improving your diet, sleep, or exercise routines. They can also enhance mental well - being, reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and much more.
Look for apps that are either free or offer a free trial period for you to test them out. Seek apps with positive reviews, robust privacy safeguards, those that don't over - collect your personal information, and ones that are popular, with hundreds of thousands or even millions of downloads.
Create a Schedule for Health Screenings and Doctor Visits
Is it time for a colonoscopy, mammogram, hearing test, prostate examination, or a comprehensive eye check - up? Has it been too long since a dermatologist has examined your entire body for skin issues? Should you have a cholesterol test or other blood work done, and when would a bone density test be beneficial?
If you're unsure, contact your primary care physician or any relevant specialists on your healthcare team to get the necessary answers.
Four Additional Simple Steps for Better Health
The list of actions you can take this year to boost your health can be as extensive as you desire. Anytime you come up with a health - related goal, jot it down.
Here are four reliable steps to get you started:
- Practice deep breathing daily. Spending a few minutes each day on slow, deep breaths can help lower your blood pressure and alleviate stress.
- Replace your old sunglasses if their lenses are worn. Ensure that the new pair has UV protection, typically in the form of a special coating, to block the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause eye damage and potentially lead to permanent vision loss.
- Arrange lunch or phone dates with friends you haven't seen in a while. Maintaining social connections can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, thereby reducing certain health risks.
- Dedicate one room in your home each week to a thorough cleaning. Dust and mold can trigger allergies, asthma, and even illnesses.
You don't need to tackle all these activities simultaneously. Simply add them to your to - do list, alongside the more significant resolutions you're working towards. Now you'll have a customized list of goals of different magnitudes. The more goals you achieve, the better you'll feel, making this year truly a healthy one.