March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

UCLA Santa Monica Offers Health Tips For A Happy New Year:

Dr. Denise Sur

Chief of Staff – UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica

New Year, new you? Many of us look toward the New Year as a time for renewal, to resolve to achieve better health. Approximately 40 percent of adult Americans make one or more resolutions each year and individuals who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to keep them than those who don’t.  

UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica wants to help you keep your resolutions to enjoy better health in 2014 by offering some simple, easy-to-follow health tips.

Try to adopt as many as possible in January, or resolve to incorporate a new one each month during 2014 for a healthy new year:

1) Quit smoking. If you smoke, quit! It’s the single best thing you can do to improve your health. Smoking-cessation groups can be extremely helpful in achieving this goal, and medications like a nicotine patch can help decrease the cravings.

2) Get adequate sleep. Many studies confirm that getting at least eight hours of sleep each night has many health benefits, including a better mood, reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, and an improved memory.  

3) See your doctor. Take care of yourself by scheduling a check-up, vaccination, or screening. Regular health exams and tests can help detect problems in their early stages, when chances for treatment and cure are better.

4) Wash your hands. Regular hand washing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs and stay healthy. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

5) Budget your food like your money. To stay nourished while losing weight, take your daily caloric intake (multiply your ideal body weight by 10 and then add another 600 calories if you’re moderately active, a few hundred more if you’re very active), then spread those calories across the day.

6) Drink water. Staying properly hydrated is one of the keys to good health. Since thirst is often mistaken for hunger, drink water to stave off hunger and save unnecessary calories. There also are hidden calories in many drinks, especially coffee drinks and sodas. They are fine as an occasional treat, but water should be your first choice when thirsty.

7) Wear a pedometer. People who regularly wear a pedometer typically walk about an extra mile each day, lose weight and lower their blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking and a total of 10,000 steps per day.

8) Exercise. Being physically active is vital to good health, and both aerobic and strength training should be at the core of your exercise regimen. These activities are especially important for women and seniors to prevent age-related muscle and bone loss.

9) Eat by color. Instead of relying on vitamins for your nutrients, strive to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to meet daily recommendations. Try to include red, dark green, yellow, purple, blue, and orange fruits and vegetables for good health.

10) Know your family’s health history. Many family health issues like heart disease, diabetes or cancer can put you at increased risk for developing the same problems. Keep track of your family health history to share with your health care provider, so he or she can determine appropriate tests and screenings to help guide you toward a healthier lifestyle.

11) Minimize sugar to increase energy. When sugar is decreased from your diet, your energy actually increases.  That’s because sugar triggers highs followed by lows that can sap energy levels.  Replace sugary foods with foods high in protein to maintain your energy.

12) Get or stay involved.  Socially active people tend to be happy people.  Consider volunteering or joining a social network to help yourself by helping or connecting with others.  There are countless opportunities within your community.

13) Prevent poisoning. Whether they’re drugs, medications, or household chemicals, follow instructions and keep products out of the reach of children.  Put the poison control number (800-222-1222) on all phones and make sure family members know when to call it.

14) Protect your skin.  Skin protection should be a year-round practice, not just during the summer months. Wear sunscreen, protective clothing and hats and seek shade during the hottest times of the day to help lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Regular skin checks by you and with your doctor can catch potential problems.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...