Here’s to Your Health!

By now, you’ve probably seen and heard plenty of advertisements on how to get fit in 2019. For many, it’s a goal set at the start of the new year. However, making too many resolutions can be overwhelming which is why some folks often break them early on, said Dr. Edward Dick, senior vice president of Integrated Health Services at Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

“Some people make too many resolutions to improve their health. Try to make no more than three resolutions or goals, then identify why you’re setting those goals,” said Dr. Dick. “Consider starting with short-term goals. This will help maintain them. Longer-term goals can follow the quick win-wins.”

Dr. Dick said goals need to be attainable, measurable, and should always include grace along the way. And, as people try to reach their goals to shed extra pounds this year, Dr. Dick said to make sure to have a practical plan in place.

“The important thing is to keep moving by walking or doing some form of physical exercise. Walking is actually underrated but it’s extremely valuable.” He said walking is a highly effective form of physical activity and can help you reach your goal to lose weight, not to mention being inexpensive.

Here are some valuable tips, provided by Dr. Dick, to help jump-start your way to a healthier 2019:

• Draft a plan with reasonable health goals. You may want to include an accountability buddy to help motivate and encourage you.
• Start exercising. Consider walking and taking the stairs, if you can. Exercising can help maintain a healthy weight and fight against diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Eat smarter by including more fruits and vegetables in your daily dishes. The fiber in many fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
• Drink more water and less sugary drinks. Water will help keep you hydrated, energized, focused and balances blood sugar.
• Get a good night’s sleep. Establish a regular bed time and adopt simple steps for promoting good sleep. You can visit sleepfoundation.org for a list of tips for improving sleep and treating insomnia.
• Consider joining a support group to help build mind, body and spiritual health.
• Consult your doctor if you have chronic or serious medical conditions that might worsen with unsupervised exercise. And as always, consult your medical professional for any questions before starting your fitness plan.

Dr. Dick said if you lose momentum, don’t quit. Give yourself grace and start again. “It’s important to live in grace and not give up. We were designed by God to stay active. It’s good for us—­­­­physically, mentally and spiritually.”

He said as you go out and reach your goals to get healthier this year, keep in mind that moderation, watered with grace is the key! Happy New Year!

Methodist Healthcare Ministries is dedicated to creating access to healthcare for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God," the organization’s vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.