Health Matters

www.drjimshealthtips.com By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA

Do Not Have Confusions About Resolutions—Instead, Let Them Provide Solutions

By the time you read this, we will be into the month of January (named after the Roman god Janus, which is the god of beginnings and endings). Indeed, having a unique profile of two faces: One in the back of the head to survey pasts and in the front looking to futures. Learn from your past to shape your future and thrive. has abridged to mean freedom from physical maladies.

The World Health Organization defines health as: “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” AMEN!

So as the phrase “New Year’s Resolution” suggests, January is a wonderful opportunity to better our lives by means of thoughtful examination of our lifestyle practices and how they can be enriched. First, it is important to consider what is most important in your life. What will give you the most long-term lifespan satisfaction? Consider that question sincerely (which I do each time I log in another 584-million-mile trip around the sun).

My answer is a resolute retain GOOD HEALTH and perhaps even improve it. The word “health” derives from Old English roots meaning wholeness (or in olden times, the state of being uninjured). Originally, the word meant, “being fit” for life— having health was a good omen for all of one’s activities. Well-being is a near synonym. Health’s meaning, however, currently Ask what small but meaningful improvements can be made to lifestyle, nothing major, because going overboard with resolutions is a foremost reason for failure within the first month. First, realize that gaining a healthier lifestyle will have many benefits for you, your loved ones, and friends. You will be able to function better with value-added physical, mental, emotional, or social living, especially if you are older. You don’t have to just let your abilities sag in some aspect of your functioning. GET GOING.

Carefully plan the details of how you will accomplish reaching the goals you desire and the satisfactions you will enjoy as you do so. If you are increasing your exercise routine, outline the place you will go and the times you will be there. To eat healthier, plan for a more nutritious diet by serving more fish, vegetables, and fruits. Reduce fatty meats, sugar, and reduce portions. Include incremental improvements over time.

A foremost New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight, and the obvious answer is to reduce calorie intake, get your body to burn more calories, or both. There are a number of successful plans; the safest and most reliable is to join a medical weight loss clinic.

You might desire to expand your knowledge base by enrolling in courses online. I personally am going to return to a habit of reading at least one nonfiction book a week. I did that for many years, but have gotten out of that habit, I resolve to resume in January.

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I was showing my husband my new coat when my 4 year old walked in and said, “I like your coat mama, it looks like a rug.”

When our son, who has two white parents, was a toddler, I was giving him a bath during the summer and commented on how tan he was getting. He said, “Yeah, I know. When I grow up, I think I’m gonna be black like my friend Isaac.”

My 3 year old calls Flonase “mommy’s special nose medicine” and now my neighbor thinks I do cocaine.

My six year old was watching me pour Draino down his bathroom sink.

6 year old: What’s that?

Me: It dissolves whatever gunk is clogging up your drain.

6 year old: Cool! Even the screwdriver down there?

Me: The wha…?

During my pregnancy I battled with lots of heartburn and indigestion. Right after our second child was born, our first son would go around telling people he had heartburn!

When I told our three year old we couldn’t got out again she asked if it was because of the corona pirates.

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

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