Have a Healthy New Year

Posted by Carolyn Martin on January 3rd, 2019 Posted in: Health Literacy
Tags: exercise, fitness, nutrition

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Every new year we begin with the resolution to exercise, to diet, to have peace of mind- to be healthier. In books stores and public libraries, exercise and diet books and other media fly off the shelf. Gyms and health studios become crowded with new members. An array of exercise equipment is purchased or brought out from storage. And the kitchen pantry and refrigerator is suddenly cleared of junk food and filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s an annual tradition.

Want some cheaper tools and tips? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government and organizations provide a variety of freely available tools to help you and your communities work towards healthier lifestyles.

MedlinePlus offers several tools:

• The Health and Wellness section of Health Topics provides information about diets and exercise, healthy living, and keeping mentally healthy.
• The Heart-Healthy Recipe of the Week provides information on how to prepare a healthy recipe each week that is limited in salt and fat and yet tasty. Information about time to prep and cook are provided as well as nutritional information.
• A number of videos, quizzes and games can aid in engaging in your health where awareness and education can increase consumer health knowledge.
• Subscribe to MedlinePlus Magazine or provide a link for easy access. This quarterly free magazine provides updates of important NIH research as well as information about health consumers can use.

The National Institutes of Health provides some great tools as well:

• The Body Weight Planner allows users to make personalized calorie and physical activity plans to reach a goal weight within a specific time period and to maintain it afterwards.
• Though Go4Life is focused on older adults, anyone can use the exercises and motivational information to maintain strength, balance and flexibility.
• Information about cleansing diets, relaxation, and body building are available through the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
• Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better Program Guide encourages women to live healthier lives.
• Seeking alcohol treatment? The Alcohol Treatment Navigator will help you locate evidence-based treatment with no commercial sponsors.
• Subscribe to NIH News in Health or provide a links for easy access to this freely available monthly newsletter.

Other free resources include:

• Choose My Plate offers tip sheets, ways to increase physical activity, recipes and cookbooks and menus, and online tools to aid in leading a healthy lifestyle.
• Want to quit smoking? The Quit Now tab on the BeTobaccoFree.gov website offers tools for those who want to quit.
• The Office on Women’s Health provides information on how to maintain good mental health.