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New Year, New Goals
by Ariana Ayu, D.Sc., RN
January 2009
As we once again roll into a new year (some of us rolling more than others),
many of us are considering what we can do to improve our lives for 2009. To make
your life a little easier (since I know you’re working SOOOO hard), here are
some things to think about.
In 2000, the powers-that-be identified 10 “Leading Health Indicators” (Healthy
People 2010, www.healthypeople.gov) that we desperately need to improve as a
nation. We’ve got a year left, so according to my procrastination calendar, it’s
time to get started!
Here’s the list with some small changes (and a few big ones) you might consider:
• Physical Activity
• You know the options: take the stairs, park further away from the entrance,
and do isometric exercises at your desk (squeeze those seat muscles!).
• Overweight and Obesity
• Ditto the above. Eat quality, not quantity. Increase your intake of water,
veggies, fruits, and fiber.
• Tobacco Use
• We have medications, hypnotherapy, behavioral techniques… everything but an
excuse to keep smoking.
• Substance Abuse
• Get professional help – it’s not a sign of weakness.
• Responsible Sexual Behavior
• STDs are on the rise (pun intended) amongst the elderly and nursing home
population – protection is not about pregnancy anymore.
• Mental Health
• Mental Illness typically goes untreated in this country. We believe we should
be able to “fix ourselves” when most of the problems stem from biological/
chemical imbalances. Get professional help; it can drastically improve one’s
quality of life.
• Injury and Violence
• Violence is never acceptable - we ALWAYS have a choice.
• Environmental Quality
• Use an indoor air purifier and a chlorine filter in your shower (this is much
better for your skin, hair, and even your immune system).
• Immunization
• Some say these are good, some say they’re dangerous. Whatever you decide, be
educated about it.
• Access to Health Care
• Maybe we can’t change this individually, but we CAN advocate for those less
fortunate than ourselves.
Remember, small changes are much more effective and lasting than drastic
transformations. For more info and resources relating to these areas, please
visit
http://www.healthypeople.gov/LHI/Resources.htm.
Have a happy, healthy new year!
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