Healthy New Year
2025 is here! Happy New Year! We wish all of us a healthy new year. Did you make a New Year’s resolution? Many of us did. Did you resolve to get healthier or fitter physically? If so, you are in the majority. According to a study published in Forbes, 55% of us made that resolution. Here’s a link to the article if you want to read more: https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics/
What’s the best way to get healthier and stay healthy? There are a few proven ways. We thought we could start off the new year with a quick review of some of the ways to maintain your healthy lifestyle, and maybe help you keep that new year’s resolution to “get healthy.”
1. Hydrate. Drinking water is recommended, even when it is not hot. Staying hydrated keeps your body and your brain healthy. And water has no added calories so if you resolved to lose weight, substituting water for drinks with more calories might be a good option.
2. Move. Getting up, away from screens, and moving around is good for you. Walk, run, dance, or find the exercise that suits you, but do it. Add some movement to your life.
3. The 20-20-20 Rule. Speaking of screens, the experts recommend that you follow the 20-20-20 rule. After 20 minutes of staring at a screen, look away at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It will help your mind and provide a reset for your eyes.
4. Get shots. While we might not like to think about vaccinations, they have proven to reduce the likelihood of illnesses. Some of you might not be old enough to remember polio, but in the late 1950-early 60’s, it was mostly eradicated in the United States through a vigorous vaccination program.
5. Sleep on it. Most research shows that you will be a more effective employee with a good night’s sleep. Adults typically need around 8 hours each night. Safety experts are taking more of an interest in impaired working, which can include excessive tiredness. Making sure you have the proper amount of sleep and rest can prevent you from being part of that problem.
6. Quit. Tobacco in any form can become an addiction. The number of serious and sometimes fatal diseases that are related to the use of tobacco products is considerable. If you or someone you know uses tobacco products, get help to quit. The sooner, the better.
7. Floss. Flossing your teeth may do more than increase the health of your gums and teeth. Studies published by the National Institutes of Health have shown that there may be a correlation between poor gum health and systemic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Floss your teeth regularly for your overall health.
8. Weight. While none of us like to talk about our weight, experts tell us that being overweight can cause serious health issues. To see a long list of illnesses, diseases, and conditions that have a link to being obese, follow this link: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/food-activity/overweight-obesity-impacts-health.html. Maintaining a healthy weight may help you have more energy, feel better overall, and possibly increase your longevity.
Weekly Safety Challenge:
What’s one health-related thing you are resolved to do in 2025? How might you being healthier affect your ability as an employee?
