New Year, New Health Goals!
A new year brings new beginnings, especially when it comes to your health.
Check out these top 9 tips from the CDC on how to improve your well-being in 2020 and make it your healthiest year yet:
Eat a healthy diet: Add more healthy food choices to your diet such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products in the new year! Did you know the REC Mobile Farmers Market in Worcester helps make this possible by bringing fresh produce to your community? Click here to learn more!
Move more, sit less: Get more active in 2020 by adding at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Want to get involved in improving physical activity in Worcester? Join the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester’s Physical Activity Working Group to focus on initiatives related to recreation infrastructure and walkability.
Rethink your drink: Substitute water for sugary or alcoholic drinks to reduce calories and stay safe. Click here to read evidence-based guidance on what healthy children ages 0-5 years should drink.
Get enough sleep: Did you know that adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night and that 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep? This can lead to several chronic diseases and conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression and obesity. Click here for tips on getting a good night’s sleep!
Quit smoking: You can do it! It’s never too late to quit smoking. Quitting smoking now improves your health and reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free support.
Be sun safe: Did you know the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes? In the new year, be sure to wear layered clothes and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
Brush your teeth: Oral health can sometimes go unnoticed, but keeping your teeth and gums clean can prevent cavities and gum disease. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Click here for more oral health tips!
Get your checkups: Make it your 2020 goal to visit your doctor regularly for preventive services like cancer and diabetes screenings. Take it a step further by partnering with REACH to support organizations & programs that promote the health of Latinos/Latinxs in Worcester!
Learn your health history: Knowing and acting on your family health history is an important way to protect your health. Talk to your family and your doctor about your family health history. Click here to learn how to get the conversation started.
What health initiative will you be taking in 2020?