Want to Succeed With Your 2008 Goals? Call Your Doctor
| Date: January 8, 2008 |
Media Contact: |
Chuck Moran |
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Pennsylvania Medical Society |
| For Immediate Release |
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(717) 558-7820 |
(Harrisburg, PA) Each New Year brings with it resolutions made by millions of Pennsylvanians who vow to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, worry less, and generally live healthier lives. Some succeed; others don’t. Why? Not all of us have the willpower or the know-how to replace bad habits with good ones. We know what we shouldn’t do, but we may not be sure what we should do instead. That takes a plan – and support.
And, as the year progresses, the odds of failure increases for those without a plan and support.
But, according to the Pennsylvania Medical Society, it’s not too late to work on your 2008 goals and a visit to your doctor can increase your chances of success for a healthy 2008.
“Our patients’ well being is always our priority. Now is an ideal time to sit down with your doctor to discuss how he or she can help you achieve your 2008 health goals,” comments Peter Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
Some generally healthy patients may resolve to schedule age-appropriate screenings such as mammogram, prostate cancer screening, colonoscopy, or pap test. But for others, a deeper discussion may be warranted about living healthier.
Regardless, we all have room for improvement. The Medical Society’s recent statewide Patient Poll showed that the majority of respondents felt their health was fairly good, but they admitted that they probably could eat better and exercise more.
Once you’ve committed to making a change, sit down with your doctor to make a plan. Depending on your current health, a physical exam or other diagnostic tests may be in order before you make a major change. Whether you want to lose weight, quit smoking, or reduce stress, your doctor can suggest additional resources such as support groups, reading material, or if appropriate, medications or aids that can help.
“Start by making just one resolution—but one that really matters to you. The bottom line is that you have to be ready and willing to make the change,” offers Medical Society board member and Northumberland family practitioner Kristine Perle, MD.
Dr. Perle also advises her patients to be realistic. “Make a change you can live with, not one that’s overwhelming,” she notes. “Take small steps and you’ll be more likely to succeed. Instead of saying you’ll lose 50 pounds, make it 5 to start.”
“One of the greatest benefits of reviewing your resolution with your doctor is that you will have someone holding you accountable, someone who also has a stake in your health. That can make all the difference,” adds Dr. Perle.
If you don’t know where to start, make a list of possibilities to review with your doctor. Chances are he or she can help you prioritize based on the greatest benefit to your health. Even small changes can make a difference – and that can make for a happier and healthier new year.
Here are a few resolutions to consider for a healthy 2008:
- Quit smoking. Most physicians agree that if you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
- Improve your diet. Eliminate trans fats and reduce your salt intake. Include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Exercise more. Get moving. A good goal is to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
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To learn more about how your physician can help you keep your resolutions, visit the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Family Health and Wellness website at www.myfamilywellness.org
Last Updated: 7/10/2008