Happy New Year!

January 1, 2019

As the new year begins, so does an abundance of new year resolutions that range from healthier choices to taking up new hobbies to none at all. However, at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT) two areas remain at the forefront: health and education. To make the new year the best one yet, UTHSCT invites you to “Treat Yourself” in 2019, with a new series of articles published every month. Aimed to inform and inspire those seeking a healthy and educated lifestyle, the series will contain quick tips and expert advice on ways to make 2019 your year.

So, what can one do to start the new year off right? To make 2019 your healthiest year on record, start with small changes and make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-oriented) goals. Small changes can include making a healthy substitution at restaurants or choosing a parking spot further away from a store’s entrance. Over time, these small changes can create a significant impact on your overall health. For example, a SMART goal could be “for the next six weeks I will not park in the spot closest to the door.” Setting these simple and attainable goals with a built-in timeline can help achieve success as the year moves along.

 

Of the goals to consider to help make 2019 your best year one should include learning something new. Committing to be a lifelong learner can help with job opportunities, brain function, increased social opportunities, and much more. Learning manifests in many forms from reading, to online classes to learn or develop new skills, to earning a new degree, or simply even joining a club/group that coincides with a hobby. Engaging in these educational opportunities are promising avenues to lead a sense of growth, accomplishment, and fulfillment in 2019.

Finally, manage your health by resolving to get an annual physical exam. In a 2016 regional needs assessment, the majority of respondents with insurance reported not getting an annual physical. Getting an annual physical can help detect chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, along with many other conditions, before they become serious illnesses. The first step to a healthier lifestyle is knowing where you stand.

It’s day one of 365, treat yourself to the best 2019.

Next steps:

• Set SMART goals.
• Decide something new to learn.
• Get an annual physical exam.
• Check back later this month for the next “Treat Yourself” article.
• Make 2019 your best year yet.