6 Simple Goals to Get You On the Path Toward Better Health

It's natural that the promise of a new and improved you might be waning. Often our pledges to ourselves don't make it to February.

Yet we have to start somewhere in our journey to enhance the quality and quantity of our life.

How about focusing on numbers? We can extend our health and lifespan by reducing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, cancer and Alzheimer's or dementia, by up to 80 percent. And it's possible by keeping these objectives in mind:

1. Blood pressure of less than 130/80
2. BMI between 21 and 29.9 or your waist measuring one-half your height
3. Fasting blood sugar less than 107 or your HgBA1C lower than 6.4
4. LDL cholesterol should be lower than 100 in the general population and lower than 70 in those with diabetes or coronary artery disease
5. No cotinine in urine, which means no tobacco in your system
6. Manage your stress

It's also very important to see your primary care provider to make sure all your immunizations are up to date and that you have received the cancer screenings appropriate for your age and risk factors.

Steps to Take

How do you achieve the six goals above?

Move. Avoid cigarettes and excess alcohol. As author Michael Pollan says, “Eat whole food, mostly plants, not too much."  Sleep seven or eight hours a night. Nurture your relationships and friendships (choose face-to-face rather than Facebook.)

You've probably heard some of this before, but that's because it really works.

I wish you enhanced health and success for 2019.  Please remember to follow these tips for optimal health, and make your appointment to see your primary care physician a top priority.

How do you achieve the six goals above?

Move. Avoid cigarettes and excess alcohol. As author Michael Pollan says, “Eat whole food, mostly plants, not too much."  Sleep seven or eight hours a night. Nurture your relationships and friendships (choose face-to-face rather than Facebook.)

You've probably heard some of this before, but that's because it really works.

I wish you enhanced health and success for 2019.  Please remember to follow these tips for optimal health, and make your appointment to see your primary care physician a top priority.

Roy Buchinsky, MD, ABIHM, is UH Director of Wellness and the Robert and Susan Hurwitz Master Clinician in Wellness.

Related Links

Whatever your age or stage of life, prevention is the best medicine. That's why it's important to see your primary care provider for age-appropriate screenings and vaccinations that can prevent disease. Learn more.

Need a primary care provider? Use our easy online tool to find a PCP and book an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.