Healthy 2023 habits

When making your resolutions, keep healthy habits in mind

With 2022 in our rearview mirrors and the rest of 2023 ahead, it’s an ideal time to pause and consider what habits to carry with us into the new year — and what to leave behind. When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, Parkridge Health invites you to include goals that focus on your physical, mental and emotional health.

Healthy goals for 2023

• Get plenty of sleep. Getting enough sleep is critical for your physical health, mental health and productivity. As an adult, getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night improves brain function and mood throughout the day. Even more, getting quality rest at night allows your brain to make repairs throughout your body, including repairing tissue and boosting immune system function.
• Drink more water and fewer sugary drinks. Many of us struggle to drink enough water each day. Not only does drinking enough water help keep you hydrated, but water also helps protect your spinal cord and other tissues, maintain a normal temperature and prevent kidney stones.
• Find new ways to add movement to your daily routine. This could be as simple as stretching in the morning or scheduling a quick five-minute walk around the office. Staying active releases endorphins, the hormones that reduce pain and increase pleasure, along with a number of other benefits.
• Prioritize hobbies and play. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of day-to-day life. However, when we prioritize hobbies we love or play, we give our brains a chance to get creative and reduce stress. Stepping outside our comfort zone and trying a new class or reading a book about a topic we’re interested in keeps us engaged and allows us to focus on the present moment.
• Schedule and attend preventative visits with your primary care physician. Annual visits with your primary care physician can be important to your overall health. It’s a time you can sit down with your provider and share any health concerns. Parkridge Health has a network of primary care providers across multiple locations throughout the Chattanooga area. You can find a physician on our website or get a free physician referral by calling MedLine at (423) 622-6848.
• Schedule your cancer screenings for the year. Regular cancer screenings, like mammograms and colonoscopies, are the best way to fight cancer. But did you know several different types of cancer screenings are recommended for those who qualify?

Breast cancer

• Women should begin monthly self-exams at age 20 as well as receive breast exam by a physician every three years. Beginning at 40 years of age, consult your physician yearly about a mammogram and breast exam.

Cervical cancer

• From age 21 to 29, a Pap test is recommended every three years. During those middle years, age 30-65, Pap and HPV tests should occur every five years. Those with normal history should stop testing at 65 and older.

Colorectal cancer

• If you’re 45 and older, consult a physician to determine the right screening test for you. Evidence-based options may include a Colonoscopy at 10-year intervals or a Fecal Immunohistochemistry Test (FIT) annually.

Lung cancer

• At age 50, a low-dose CT scan is recommended yearly for those who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years.

Skin cancer

• Anyone who is 20 years old should begin regular, full body skin self-exams, along with skin exams by your doctor. This should continue throughout your life.

If you have questions about screening recommendations, call askSARAH at (844) 482-4812 to speak to a nurse who is specially-trained to help with your cancer questions.