Health Check - 2012 – Choose realistic "healthy goals"

2012 – Choose realistic "healthy goals"

on Monday, 07 November 2016.

Many people see the start of a new year as the right moment to change something in their lives, to refine their lifestyle, to be more mindful of themselves. Most people take stock of the situation at the turn of the year: What was good in the old year, what do I want to change in the new year?

"It is important that you question your motivation for the changes you are planning and that you set realistic goals. You have to really want the change, otherwise your good intentions will most likely remain just intentions. Eating less and eating more Sports Start smoking just to please others or give up smoking because others find it annoying - that will not work. So be honest with yourself: Do you really want to stop smoking or lose weight or do you just think that people expect you to? Medical advice can be helpful for many plans for the New Year. a complete health check you can Doctor also point out risks and weaknesses. And you can adjust your good intentions accordingly,” recommends Dr. Reinhold Lunow, internist and medical director of the practice clinic Bornheim near Cologne, Bonn and Düsseldorf.

Action and time plan help with implementation

It is a good idea to write down your goals for 2012 and make a precise plan of how and by when you want to achieve your goals. "In a detailed doctor-patient discussion, we can uncover unhealthy behavior patterns beyond the physical examination. We will work together to consider how you can replace bad or hindering habits with healthy ones that will help you achieve your goals," emphasizes Dr. Lunow.

An example: Anyone in stressful situations If you smoke a lot, you can learn relaxation techniques. Or if you want to lose weight but suffer from cravings, you should have lots of fruit at home and fill the fridge with yoghurt. "You can definitely outsmart yourself or change your habits even when you are older - it is never too late," says the internist.

Medically monitor and celebrate partial successes

On the way to the big goal, partial steps should definitely be rewarded. Reward yourself for small successes. This motivates you for the next steps. In addition, the success of not smoking, living a more active life through sport and/or losing weight or reducing body fat through a more balanced diet can Nutrition with the help of a physical Check-ups controlled and documented.

“Get advice on this and see the prevention generally as an opportunity for your health – your family doctor informs you about the various offers and sensible examination intervals. If you keep at it, live more consciously and this change has a demonstrably positive effect on your health, your motivation will continue into 2013," says Dr. Lunow.