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Be honest; how late into 2017 did you keep your New Year’s resolution? Although committing to making healthy changes in the coming year is admirable, people rarely stick to them. Your local family medicine clinic doesn’t want you to be like the 92% of Americans who abandon their newfound healthy habits before year’s end, though. Below, the friendly team at Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine in Anchorage, AK, shares three tips for sticking to a New Year’s resolution.

Family Medicine Clinic’s Advice for Making Lasting Changes in 2018

1. Set Tangible Goals

family medicineIf you have been carrying around a little extra weight and want to work it off in 2018, devise a tangible goal so you can measure progress. For example, instead of simply resolving to “lose weight,” determine an ideal weight and then calculate how much you will need to lose each month to reach it. As the year progresses, you can cross off small milestones along the way, which will help you maintain the motivation to keep at it all year.

2. Discuss Your Vision With Others

Even if your resolution feels inherently personal, talking about it with loved ones will make you feel more accountable, which will help you stay on track. Additionally, a discussion may reveal that someone close to you has similar goals for 2018, and you can support each other in the endeavor. Whether you’re neighbors or 3,000 miles apart, you can check in with each other periodically.

3. Document Your Progress

Losing weight is going to produce visually noticeable results over time, and taking progress photos every two weeks or so is a great way to stay motivated. Even if your New Year’s resolution is unlikely to produce dramatic physical results, you can still document any progress. For example, if you decide to give up smoking in 2018, you can track how much money you save daily.

If you resolved to get healthier in 2018, you should start with an annual physical. Visiting your primary care provider in January will provide you with a great starting point and help you track your progress. To schedule a wellness visit with a friendly doctor in Anchorage, AK, turn to Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine. You can learn more about the quality health care they provide patients of all ages by visiting their website. To make an appointment for you or a loved one, call (907) 344-0200.

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