Countdown to a healthier life in 2005: Make the Healthy Georgia promise a part of your New Year's resolution

Released on = January 24, 2005, 11:31 am

Press Release Author = Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR)

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Jan. 4, 2005 -- Do your New Year’s resolutions include quitting smoking, being more physically active or eating healthier? If attaining better health is on your 2005 “to-do” list, the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) can help you. DHR wants to equip Georgians with resources to live
healthier in the New Year and for a lifetime.

Press Release Body = ATLANTA (GA) – Do your New Year’s resolutions include quitting smoking, being more physically active or eating healthier? If attaining better health is on your 2005 “to-do” list, the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR)
can help you. DHR wants to equip Georgians with resources to live healthier in the New Year and for a lifetime.

“Many Georgians resolve to be healthier but give up because they don’t have a plan of action to meet their goals,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H. director of the DHR Division of Public Health. “Making small, but significant lifestyle changes will keep you on track to kicking the tobacco habit, staying active or eating
smart.”

Here are some strategies to incorporate healthy choices into your daily life:

KICK THE TOBACCO HABIT. Ring in the New Year tobacco-free. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your health by lowering your risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. DHR’s Tobacco Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP or 1-877-2NO-FUME for Spanish
speakers) is a toll-free resource that offers free counseling, screening and support to Georgians who want to quit. The Quit Line recently extended its hours – it is now open daily from 8:00am until midnight – and recently began offering services to youth who want to quit tobacco.

EAT SMART. Eating healthy begins with having breakfast each day. Studies haveshown that people who eat breakfast manage their overall food intake better than those who skip the first meal of the day.

There are many other ways to eat smart. Adding fruits and veggies to your meals can improve overall health and wellbeing; most Georgia adults and children do not get the recommended five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Limiting consumption of sodas and other beverages loaded with sugar and caffeine also will also help; substitute sodas with water, milk or natural fruit juice. Other healthy ideas include decreasing portion sizes and limiting intake of fats, particularly saturated fats. Making small dietary changes over time will help you reach your long-term health goals.

BE ACTIVE. Adding just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity to your daily routine can help you manage your weight and add years to your life. Go for a brisk walk after meals, hike a nature trail, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk the dog…these are some easy ways to increase your level of physical activity.

GET CHECKED. Schedule your annual physical examinations for the upcoming year. Routine check-ups can assess your risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Your physician can help you create a food and activity plan that’s right for you. For more resources to help you stick with your healthy New Year’s resolutions, visit
http://health.state.ga.us.

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Web Site = http://health.state.ga.us

Contact Details = For information, contact:
Richard Quarterone
DHR, Division of Public Health
404/463-4627
rquartarone@dhr.state.ga.us