2017 is almost here, and if you’re like most people, odds are you’re trying to come up with a couple of resolutions for the upcoming year. As a general surgeon, I’m quite versed in what bad habits people should kick if they want to remain healthy, as well as which good habits they should pick up. Speaking from my experiencing, I thought it would be worthwhile to share five resolutions you should consider, especially if you want to keep some of the organs I routinely work on in tip top shape.
Cut Back On The Junk Food
We’re not saying that you need to completely give up chocolate or ice cream in 2017, but your body will thank you if you cut back on the sugar and fat in your diet. One of my specialties is gallstone removal, and oftentimes these form because of too much bad cholesterol in your body. Watching what you eat can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the likelihood of gallstones.
Exercise
More exercise is probably the most common resolution there is. It’s one of the reasons why gym memberships peak during January. People are resolved to get back in shape. While we’re not saying you need to lose a certain amount of weight, there are a number of health benefits to regular moderate-intensity exercise. Activity can help facilitate healthy blood flow to organs and structures in your body, and it can help strengthen muscles walls to reduce your risk of hernias. You don’t need to exercise seven days a week, but make a conscious effort to exercise more in 2017.
Screenings
No matter your age, consider going in for a health screening this year. Whether it’s a physical before the high school sports season or a colonoscopy in midlife, these preventative screenings can make all the difference in catching a problem before it spirals out of control. Many of the conditions that require surgery from our office have symptoms that mimic other, lesser conditions, meaning they can be hard to detect. A lot of problems like pancreatic cancer or endocrine system tumors have much higher treatment success rates if they are caught in their infancy, so please, schedule a health screening this year.
Give Up Smoking
Smoking has been linked to an increased likelihood of esophageal cancer, which is a particularly problematic form of the disease. Giving up smoking has a myriad of health benefits, but it can be very beneficial to your esophageal health.
Sun Awareness
Even though it’s winter, direct sunlight exposure can increase your likelihood of skin cancer. Throughout every season, be more cognizant of your body’s exposure to sunlight and keep sunscreen nearby in case you’re going to be in the sun for multiple hours. Perform regular checks on any moles you may have to ensure they aren’t changing or growing in size, as this can be a clear indication of cancer.
