2012: Good health, one step at a time

It's the time of year again when we all make resolutions. Most people focus on losing weight, but there are many other measures of good health. This year, resolve to improve in some other area, whether it's eating another piece of fruit every day or using hand sanitizer every time you leave the office.

Need more ideas? Here are some ways you can stay healthy and avoid common medical problems. Contact your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

Depression

Many adults experience depression. Did you know that children do too? Contributing factors include low self-esteem, medical conditions, divorce and moving to a different home. Call our Behavioral Health department at 800 673-8043 for a confidential assessment or a referral to a behavioral health specialist. With the right kind of help, you can feel better and get back to enjoying life! Learn more.

Diabetes

Diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death among Michigan men and women. If you have diabetes, it's important to keep your A1c level at less than 7% to help avoid complications, such as diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease. Remember to have your A1c checked at least every 6 months. Learn more.

Lead poisoning

Paint, water and soil can contain lead. If children get too much lead in their bodies, they may get lead poisoning, which can result in:

• Slowed growth
• Learning and hearing problems
• Hyperactivity
• Brain damage

Children should have a risk assessment between ages 6 and 12 months and again at 24 months. Talk with your doctor about whether your child is at risk for lead poisoning. Learn more. 

Nutrition

It's important to make good food choices and monitor your portion sizes throughout your life. You can find lots of information by logging in to priorityhealth.com, then selecting "nutrition" from the pull-down list of topics under "Health & wellness" on the left side of your screen. Learn more about a heart healthy diet.

Upper respiratory infections

In addition to cold weather and shorter days, fall brings upper respiratory infections. These are viral infections with severe cold-like symptoms, and antibiotics are useless against them. To prevent infections, wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face. To prevent the spread of germs, make sure you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crease of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Teach your child the same good hygiene so the whole family stays healthy!

Tobacco cessation

Smoking is the #1 preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. Secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in children and in adults who don't smoke. We have a wealth of information on how to quit.

Weight management

There's a reason "losing weight" is a common New Year's resolution! Being overweight is a factor in many medical conditions, so it's good to keep it under control. Ask your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI) to find out if you have a healthy weight for your height. If you're overweight, your doctor can help you make healthy lifestyle changes. One of the keys to losing weight is regular exercise, like walking briskly for 30 minutes a day and taking the stairs whenever possible. Get moving! Even a little movement every day can make a difference over time. Learn more.

Topics: Depression, Diabetes, Nutrition, Tobacco, Weight loss