Top tips to improve your health

(NC) This is a time when many of us start to think about our goals for the coming year. For some, taking care of our health is a key priority. Building in healthy habits where possible is important to our health. Here are four ways you can get healthier this year.

Eat well
It’s not easy to change a habit. Eating habits are no exception. There are many different factors that make changing your eating habits difficult. But over time and with small steps you can be well on your way. You can make healthy eating habits easier to maintain over the long term by finding options that fit your daily routine. Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods as well as making water your drink of choice can help you maintain your overall health. Remember that everyone’s health goals and individual needs differ. It is important to find healthy food choices and habits that are right for you.

Reduce sedentary time
The Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines have been developed for all age groups to provide Canadians with guidance about how much physical activity, sedentary time and sleep is needed in a 24-hour day. Some physical activity is better than none, and getting started is easier than you think. Making choices like walking to the store instead of driving or taking the stairs instead of the elevator all contribute towards a healthy 24 hours. Try to limit sedentary time to eight hours or less and break up long periods of sitting where possible. Getting enough good quality sleep can benefit from consistent bed and wake-up times.

Book a checkup
To quote an old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular oral and medical check-ups are an important part of your overall health and can uncover potential issues before they become major issues. As we age, there are certain tests we should take, including mammograms and colonoscopies. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the right timing for these check-ups based on your individual health needs.

Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health, and you’ll start noticing positive impacts almost immediately. Start by creating a quit plan that includes the reasons you want to quit and lists the tools and coping mechanisms you will use to manage cravings. Next, be aware of the things that might trigger a craving, and consider using quit aids, such as nicotine gum or patches, to get through them. Finally, reach out for support when needed. Free quit-smoking support services are available across the country. You can chat with a quit coach by phone, online or text.

Find more resources to help you quit smoking, including a quit smoking planner at canada.ca/quit-smoking.