A Healthier You in 2016

The end of the year is often a time of reflection. For many, this time of reflection is an opportunity to praise accomplishments and marked milestones, but also to recognize where things didn’t quite go as planned and improvements can be made.

Now is the time when New Year’s resolutions are born. Last year, Twitter published a ranking of English-language keywords associated with the top New Year’s resolutions. Not surprisingly, working out, losing weight, quitting smoking, and giving up alcohol were among the top ten.  

There’s no denying that these resolutions are great for improving your overall health, but did you know that they can also have a drastic impact on reducing your risk for developing cancer? Over half of all cancers can be prevented, or detected early before they become a serious health problem. Eating your veggies, dusting off those runners, ditching the drinks, and “butting out”, coupled with regular cancer screening may set you on course to make 2016 your healthiest year yet!

But it’s hard, right? Making changes and sticking to them can be difficult. To help, here are some tips to help you set realistic goals and stay motivated throughout the year. 

1. Focus on one change at a time, rather several and set realistic, specific goals. “Exercise more” is not a specific goal. Exercise 30 minutes per day for 90 days would be.
2. Don't wait until New Year's Eve to make resolutions. Make it a year-long process, every day.
3. Take small steps. Many people don’t succeed because the goal is too big and requires too much effort and action all at once.
4. Don’t do it alone, have someone close to you who can act as your accountability partner.            
5. Celebrate the small wins along the way.
6. Be mindful. Focus your thinking on new behaviors and thought patterns that will help you achieve your goal.
7. Take it one day at a time. What's the one thing you can do today, right now, that will help you achieve your goal?

As you look to 2016, consider making a commitment to good health your resolution. Taking control of your health and adapting healthy behaviours will help make this your healthiest year yet.

Watch the video below for more information on how you can take control of your health.