15 Health Resolutions for Any Age

This year, commit not only to your personalized health goals, but also to making life better in general. Get on track to a healthier you in 2016 with these small changes that will make a big impact on your health at any age.

1. Get health screenings and immunizations for you and your family. Many screening tests and immunizations are based on age, sex, health and family history so it’s important to have a discussion with your health care provider on what’s right for you. Once you complete your yearly health screening, you can talk to a doctor on Amwell face-to-face about your results and best ways to stay well.
2. Take better care of your mouth and teeth. Oral health has shown to play a role in overall health. In fact, it’s been noted that oral health might affect, or contribute to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and premature birth.  You can practice good hygiene every day by brushing and flossing your teeth daily and eating a healthy diet.
3. Be sick less: The best way to prevent a chronic cough is to see a doctor immediately and get the problem fixed. Better yet, see a doctor on Amwell and get the care you need, when you need it.
4. Find something you love. Whether it be learning how to play a new instrument or taking that class you’ve always wanted, try to make something that make you, and only you, happy.
5. Let go. Let go of the things that don’t serve you. Anything from a petty grudge to forgiving yourself or others, it’s important to start 2016 fresh and without any negative animosity.
6. Sneak in a brisk walk every day. We’ve touted about the health benefits of walking You don’t need to have an expensive gym membership or be an athlete to stay active; walking is a great form of exercise and all you need is a pair of sneakers and comfortable clothing. Wear a step counter or another type of monitoring device to keep track of how far you’ve walked and how many calories you’ve burned—it can be a motivating tool!
7. Try to have a sit down, home-cooked meal with your family once a week. Longer workdays, after-school activities and other scheduling conflicts make family mealtime seem like a thing of the past. Dinner-time is a time to relax, recharge, laugh, tell stories and catch up on the day’s ups and downs, while developing a sense of family.
8. Have that home-cooked meal be a new, healthy recipe. Starting to eat healthy can be tough, but making small changes in your routine, like incorporating a healthy recipe once a week, is an easier goal to manage and can even add some excitement to your recipe routine. If you need inspiration on what to tackle this week, check out one of Amwell’s registered dietitian’s blog here.
9. Try a new work-out class or buddy to go to the gym with. Workout classes are great! They help you stick to a routine and meet like-minded people who are working towards the same goal. Love that class? Find a workout buddy to go with you! Learning new skills with new people can go a long way towards motivating you to making an exercise habit stick. 
10. Drink more water. When we don’t drink enough water, sirens go off in our body. Drinking water helps boost energy, rev up metabolism, keeps stress levels down and nourishes your skin. Have trouble getting your recommended water intake every day? Set a timer on your phone every hour as a reminder to drink a glass of water and you will be on your way to drinking your recommended 8 glasses of day in no time.
11. Become a morning person. Making a conscious effort to get up earlier than you have to may seem daunting, especially if you hit the snooze button one too many times before getting out of bed, but there is a saying that goes: “Lose an hour in the morning, and you will be all day hunting for it.” 
12. Cut down on your coffee consumption. More than ever before, people are using caffeine to get them through the day. But if your favorite morning drinking is causing you to experience dehydration, trouble getting your zzzz’s, an upset stomach or anxiety, it might be time to find an alternate to your java boost.
13. Unplug yourself from the phone. Technology has some wonderful benefits, especially when it comes to telehealth and the Amwell app. That being said, it is becoming increasingly apparent that our world is developing an unhealthy attachment to it. Did you know? 67% of cell phone owners check their phone for messages, alerts, or calls — even when they don’t notice their phone ringing or vibrating. WILD! Life is happening right in front of you, and if you are tethered to your cell phone screen, you are going to miss all of it. Try to power-down for a period of time every day and soak in life.
14. Read a book. Now that’s a way to unglue yourself from your phone. There is nothing better that getting home from a long day at work, sitting on your couch and getting lost in a really good book (ahhhhh). Reading has its fair share of health benefits. It is a great way to de-stress and re-energize your mind, it can also help prevent illnesses and improve your concentration. Harry Potter for the win!
15. Practice being thankful Gratitude changes everything. As a reminder to have a grateful heart, try writing down one thing you are grateful for every day on a piece of paper and fill a mason jar with your notes. Reading them if you are having a bad day or need a pick me up is the best medicine.

What are some of your health goals for 2016? Let us know in the comment section below or let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.