Top 5 Health New Year Resolutions for 2012

It's common for people to get ambitious with the new year approaching. Statistics show 40 to 45 percent of Americans make New Year resolutions to improve their health each year. These may be honorable achievements such as quitting smoking, becoming more physically active or trying to live stress-free. Of this 40 to 45 percent, 75 percent will attempt to give up on this goal within the first two weeks of the new year. That may be because the goal is over-achievable or too difficult than they had first planned it to be. However, while I have fallen in this category before, this year is going to be different. I've set five personal health goals for myself and I plan to achieve most, if not all, of them.

First, I want to become more physically active. I somewhat took this step earlier this year when I downloaded fitness applications on my Macbook to exercise. I have been exercising every now and then, but haven't committed to a routine. I think it may be that I don't know where to start. One plan I have for next year is to join Charter Fitness (formerly Cardinal Fitness) for around six months. I just want to join to use the elliptical machine, which I believe is supposed to work the entire body.

My next goal is to make my meals more balanced. Right now, not all food groups are represented at each meal. I need to change this in effort of reducing my risk to diabetes. This is originally why I purchased the software, Yummy Soup, on my MacBook. This software helps you input recipes and when I do so, I always input the nutritional information. I do well cutting out sugars, fats and oils, but I could do better with this goal. I'm hoping to successfully improve it next year.

In addition, I need to continue to live my life as stress-free as possible. This has become a life goal of mine over the past few years because I believe it keeps my seizure disorder under control. Similarly, it's going to keep my blood sugar low and reduce my risk of diabetes. I really don't like the person I become when I'm stressed out. However, I do like how focused and calm I remain when I am stressed out. My life is much better without this anxiety in my life and I sleep much better when it's gone.

Another goal of mine is to become more educated about women's health. I believe it's best for women to be educated before they go to see their doctors. This is the best way for them to receive the best medical care. Furthermore, the more you know about your condition or disease, then the better questions you can ask about your treatment. I always go into my neurologist with questions and it seems to pay off well.

Finally, this last goal is going to be the hardest for me to stick to because I am not a morning person. I am going to try my best to get to bed on a set a set schedule. I want to get up early and be more productive with my day. This way, I am getting more done with my time. My plan next year is to start getting healthier, lose around 10-20 pounds, and eat a well-balanced meal three times a day. I have to make a commitment to do it daily. I'm not sure if I can do it, but I'm sure going to try!