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By Iris R. Jiménez-Hernández
Sr. Vice President, Generations/Northern Manhattan Health Network
Executive Director, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center
The arrival of the New Year brings a perfect opportunity to reflect on our wellbeing, and make strong resolutions that proclaim good physical and mental health as a priority.
People make resolutions on all areas of life, but protecting and caring for our health should remain on top of the list. While only a handful of individuals follow through their resolutions, I urge you to make a bold choice in 2012 to achieve your long-term health goals.
Many experts agree that losing weight, going on a diet and exercise programs are among
the most common healthy New Year resolutions. Dr. María Espejo, Chief of Outpatient General Medicine at Lincoln Hospital, suggests that patients seeking to fulfill their healthy resolutions must make the necessary changes to their lifestyles and emphasizes the following behavior modification:
- Reduce stress and sleep better.
- Quit smoking or alcohol/substance abuse.
- Self-control chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Take medications as prescribed
- Stay physically active. Start walking more. Instead of getting into the elevator, use the stairs once a day.
Keeping New Year resolutions can be challenging. It requires discipline, determination, willpower, and in some cases organizational skills and planning. Dr. Espejo makes the following recommendations:
- Take preventive action to avoid developing chronic conditions
- Be mindful that early detection of treatable conditions can save your life.
- Be committed to seeing your primary care provider to undergo any necessary screenings.
- Engage your family in lifestyle modification and encourage them to follow the same rules for a healthier life.
- Prevent childhood obesity. Ask your provider for information about Morrisania’s exercise program for kids and encourage them to participate.
“The objective is that patients understand and learn how to proactively take care of themselves”, said Dr. Espejo. “These healthy resolutions are meant to keep them in good health throughout the year, in the hope that eventually they will adopt a life-style that will add enjoyable years to their lives.”
Experts agree that people suffering from diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and depression, can largely benefit from enacting New Year resolutions. Some patients interviewed at one of Lincoln Hospital’s clinics work hand-in-hand with their primary care providers to ensure that their resolutions yield to action and results.
“My resolution is to lose weight, eat right, and keep my diabetes under control”, said Cheletta Bond, 47. “Life is too precious, and I want to live to see my 15-year-old son grow old”.
George Parker, 84, has already stopped eating salty and fatty foods. His resolution for the New Year is to stick to this eating pattern to help control his blood pressure and weight.
Ferdinand Morales, 71, seems to believe that you are what you eat and is resolved to continue to watch his food intake. He says that he has already stopped having his occasional drink. “And I also stopped eating red meat”, he emphasized.
Burn out, lack of support and motivation, cultural, economic and time management factors, among others, are the most common impediments to keeping healthy resolutions. When it comes to getting support and motivation, your primary care provider is your best friend. Your doctor is here to support your efforts. Make sure you consult with him/her when you plan to modify your eating habits or engage in a weight loss regimen. Look for our Cookbook with healthy recipes to be issued in the fall. And remember that screening for preventable and treatable diseases is a step in the right direction towards a healthier life. For more information about General Medicine, Ambulatory and Preventive Care resources at Lincoln, call (718) 579-5000 or visit www.nyc.gov/hhc and click on the Lincoln Hospital website.
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