Embracing Healthier Habits: Beyond the Usual Suspects

With the arrival of a fresh year, the typical health resolutions often revolve around diet, physical activity, and weight reduction. You might already be working on these changes or planning to achieve these goals. However, it's essential to explore beyond these familiar areas for a more holistic approach to health.

Below are ten simple yet often-neglected strategies to boost your personal health and well-being, with minimal effort required.

Audit Your Electronic Health Records

Your medical information is stored electronically and can be accessed through your doctor's patient portal. Allocate time to update your portal's security credentials and review your recent medical history, including appointments, test outcomes, and physician notes from consultations.

"Research has shown that when patients review their medical notes, they remember more about their interactions with healthcare providers, leading to better medication management and error detection," says Dr. Tom Delbanco, a Harvard Medical School professor and co-founder of OpenNotes. This initiative has made shared clinician notes a standard in healthcare.

Taking this step can empower you in your healthcare journey. "Extensive research indicates that patients who participate actively in decision-making with their healthcare providers tend to have better health outcomes," Dr. Delbanco adds.

Discover Your Health Insurance Benefits

Your insurance plan may offer various health-promoting benefits, such as:

• Weight management and cessation programs that provide structured support for weight loss or habit change.
• Smoking cessation programs that offer resources and assistance to quit smoking.
• Discounted or free gym memberships to make exercise more accessible and affordable.

Some insurers also provide breastfeeding support and equipment. Contact your insurance provider or explore their website to find any such benefits that could enhance your health.

Dispose of Outdated Medications

Conduct a thorough search for expired or unnecessary medications in your home, as they can be hazardous. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs in various forms, as well as dietary supplements like vitamins and herbs.

Take these medications to a drug take-back location, such as a pharmacy or a law enforcement facility, or a medical waste collection site like your local landfill.

If other options are not available, dispose of medications in the trash by mixing them with undesirable substances like cat litter or used coffee grounds and placing the mixture in a sealable container.

Upgrade Your Footwear

Worn-out sneakers can hinder your exercise routine. Check your shoes for signs of wear and consider buying new ones to invigorate your walking or running routine.

If your budget allows, invest in new walking shoes with a wide toe box, cushioned insoles, good arch support, a sturdy heel counter, stretchy uppers, and the correct length—ideally, at least half an inch longer than your longest toe.

Explore Health-Related Apps

The digital landscape offers over 350,000 health apps for consumer use. These apps can help manage medications, chronic conditions, and provide guidance for diet, sleep, and exercise routines, as well as enhance mental well-being.

Look for apps that are free or offer a trial period, have positive reviews, robust privacy protections, do not over-collect personal information, and are popular with many downloads.

Schedule Health Screenings and Appointments

Is it time for a colonoscopy, mammogram, hearing test, prostate examination, or a comprehensive eye check-up? Has it been too