BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS
21 HABITS TO
IN THE NEW YEAR crush your goals >
01
PROLONGED SITTING
Sitting is the new smoking. Many jobs require us to sit for extended periods, causing musculoskeletal problems, increased risk of obesity, blood clots and many other health concerns. If you’re required to sit for long periods of time, get up every hour and move around for a few minutes. Repeat this practice on long car trips also.
02 NOT CHANGING YOUR SHEETS
Changing your bed sheets regularly reduces the amount of fungi, bacteria, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, dead skin cells and even fecal matter that build up in bedding. The National Sleep Foundation states that 91% of people change their sheets every other week. If you sleep naked, have an open sore, eat in bed, sleep with pets, have allergies, go to bed without showering or sweat excessively, it would be a good idea to change sheets more frequently.
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21 HABITS TO BREAK IN THE NEW YEAR
04
SECOND HELPINGS
03
HOLDING IT We often teach children to “hold it” if it’s not a convenient time for a bathroom break, but holding urine too long can weaken bladder muscles over time. Weak bladder muscles can lead to an inability to fully empty the bladder or incontinence. Holding it for long periods of time can also cause urinary tract infections due to bacteria buildup. When you gotta go, go!
Portion size is critical for appropriate nutrient intake and weight management. Today’s portions are significantly larger than they were fifty years ago. Manage your portions and skip seconds.
05
BITING YOUR NAILS Biting your nails causes more than just stubby nails. Biting can damage the skin around the nail causing greater risk of infection. Putting your hands in your mouth also increases risk of picking up other infections, including COVID-19.