Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s Top 12 Health Tips for 2012
Posted on December 31, 2011
12. Increase your daily steps from the baseline recommended 10,000 steps a day to 12,000 steps a day.
11. Review your immunizations! It is not just babies and don't be a baby! Tdap, zostavax, pneumovax to name a few.
10. Don't get your health care from the news media. Your health is more important than a 10 sec sound bite!
9. Pursue a new passion or hobby in 2012. Passion is good for your heart, brain, and soul.
8. Don't regret what you 8! Eat for health, energy, and gusto. Don't waste calories on empty foods.
7. Check your home and car safety. Batteries, tires, smoke detectors, first aid kits and firearm safety.
6. Update your living will, health care proxy, durable power of attorney for yourself and loved ones.
5. Bring in ALL of your medications, supplements, prescription and otherwise to your doctor visit.
4. Measure yourself: women's waistlines need to be under 34" and men's under 40". Check BP, BMI, cholesterol, and sugar and thryoid status.
3. Maintain your own health care records. Most folks have better health records on their pets than themselves! Sign up for MyChart or e-chart if offered by your doctor.
2. Re-evaluate your substance use: drink warm green teas in place of excess caffeine, try wine spritzers or non-alcoholic beverages, and if you smoke, kick the habit or kick the can.
1. Turn off the 3D TV, tuck in the kindle fire and say "Goodnight iPad." You need your Zzzz... at least 8 hours of sleep per night!
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!
-Dr. Holly L. Thacker
