Leo Sher, M.D.

A healthy lifestyle is very important. Making just a few changes in your lifestyle can help you live longer.

As people were making New Year’s resolutions, the American Medical Association (AMA) proposed recommendations to ensure a healthy lifestyle in 2017 (1). At the end of December 2016, the AMA made seven recommendations for a healthier new year:

1. Limit your intake of beverages with added sugar.

2. Evaluate your risk for type 2 diabetes — use the self–screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org.

3. Be physically active. Every healthy adult 18 to 65 years of age needs at least 30 minutes of moderate – intensity aerobic physical activity five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous – intensity aerobic physical activity three days a week.

4. Limit your consumption of processed food and added sodium.

5. If you use alcohol, do so in moderation — up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

6. Talk with your doctor about tobacco use and quit smoking.

7. Make your home and car smoke free to exclude exposure to second–hand smoke.

The AMA was founded in 1847 (2). The goals of the AMA were scientific advancement, standards for medical education, launching a program of medical ethics, and improved public health. The AMA website states that “the AMA promotes the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health” (2).

It is important to note that good health isn’t just about healthy eating and exercise. It also includes having a positive mental health.

References

1.    American Medical Association. 7 Health Recommendations for New Year’s Resolutions. https://www.ama-assn.org/7-health-recommendations-new-years-resolutions

2.    American Medical Association.  AMA History. https://www.ama-assn.org/ama-history