New Year's Resolutions Tips For Women

By Angela Marshall, MD

Comprehensive Women’s Health

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New Year's Resolutions Tips For Women

It's that time of year again time to set some New Year's resolutions. The best promises you make to yourself for 2015 should be simple, easy to keep and good for your health.

So, what are five things women can do to make this new year a healthy one?

Let's start with a trip to the doctor. Every year, women should see their primary care provider and make sure their bodies are healthy. Depending on your age and family history, your provider will be able to order tests appropriate for you. Mammograms, Pap tests, blood tests and a yearly general exam are all important because certain health conditions when caught early can be treated.

Try to kick the habit. If you don't smoke, good for you. Skip down to the next resolution. But if you do smoke talk to your health care provider about giving it up. According to the American Cancer Society smoking is directly responsible for 80% of lung cancer deaths in women in the U.S. each year. In fact in 1987 lung cancer surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among American women. It's best to quit.

Get off the couch and move. That doesn't mean run a marathon. You just need to keep your body active. The Women's Heart Foundation reports that 70% of women in the United States don't exercise on a regular basis and inactivity nearly doubles a person's risk for heart disease. Even something as simple as a 15 minute walk can make the difference.

Try to eat better. That means cut down on the fats, salts and white flour. Add more veggies and fruit to your diet. If you like meat, make it lean or throw in chicken and fish. And watch your alcohol intake. Federal guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than one drink a day for women. So enjoy a glass now and then.

Plan a girl's night out. Lots of studies show that hanging with good friends can ward off depression, boost your self-esteem and provide a support network. Research has also found that those who surround themselves with loved ones tend to live longer than those who do not. Now might be a good time to call up yourfriends and plan some quality time together.

Here's hoping these resolutions will lead to your happiest, healthiest new year ever.