Health Department recommends self-care resolutions for 2023

The best new year’s resolution a person can make is taking care of yourself, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) said in a news release.

“Kicking off the new year focusing on your health is a great start to a healthy lifestyle,” said NMDOH Public Health Division Medical Director Christopher Novak M.D. “Make sure to focus not just on your physical health, but your mental health as well.” 

NMDOH recommends starting “with a few small, sustainable changes and these will add up over time.”

Here are NMDOH tips for a healthier lifestyle in 2023:

• Make an appointment with a healthcare professional for a check-up, vaccination or screening. Regular medical and oral tests can help find problems before they start. Schedule a COVID-19 vaccine at goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/.
• Get active! An active lifestyle is a sure-fire way to live healthy. Start small by taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Make healthy food choices. A healthy eating plan includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. To see if you qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) visit www.nmwic.org.
• Get enough sleep. Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions. Find resources on getting better sleep at www.cdc.gov/sleep/features/getting-enough-sleep.html.
• Wash your hands with soap and water. This can prevent many common diseases. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Cut back on alcohol. After the holidays, consider taking a break from drugs and alcohol.
• Be smoke-free. The start of the year is a great time to quit tobacco products. For smoking cessation assistance, visit www.nupacnm.com.

Also visit nmhealth.org.