Happy New Year from Premier Orthopaedics – Have you made your New Year’s Resolution list yet? We know that many goals on these lists sometimes seem impossible, and therefore are never reached. This year, instead of making tall orders for lifestyle changes that you cannot fill, let’s be practical. Here are some attainable goals, easy to work into your everyday without too much of a shock.

Was there an activity tracker under the tree with your name on it? Use it to inspire daily step goals. The Japanese are experts on the subject – the rule of thumb has been set at 10,000 steps a day. 10,000 steps might seem like a ridiculously high number. Feel free to adjust – set a realistic goal for yourself. The winter months make mobility more difficult, with limited sunlight and chilling temperatures. Try and get out there. Start to track your normal step count, and make daily goals to increase the number. Hold yourself to that goal – make an effort to take the stairs a few times a week. Add pep to your step when walking around the block to grab lunch. Without setting goals that are too high, it is completely achievable. The more steps you take in a day, the healthier you become.

Next step? Clear the clutter, and start with your medicine cabinet. Take the New Year as an opportunity to simplify and get rid of any skin products containing chemicals. Who needs ‘em? The skin absorbs anything that comes into contact with it – including toxins. It is the largest organ in your body. Toxins can be found in hand, body, and facial lotions, shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, and deodorant. Look for toothpastes without fluoride, steer clear of soaps with too many chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. A rule of thumb is if an ingredient is hard to pronounce, it probably isn’t the safest option. Don’t use deodorant containing aluminum – since deodorant is used close to lymph and breast tissue, keep chemicals far, far away. By making these small changes, you can start your pathway to health from the outside, in. We understand that diets can be restricting and tough to stick to – start with what you’re putting on the outside of your body, and maybe this will inspire changes elsewhere.

Another simple daily change is to try and incorporate one lemon into your diet per day. Lemon is a natural cleanser – it helps to eliminate toxins from your system, while also providing immune boosting vitamins C and P. Not to mention their refreshing taste, they help to keep blood pressure low and aide in digestive regularity. Honestly, what don’t they do? Unless you are completely anti-lemon, this is a tasty update to a glass of water, offering hydration inspiration!

By incorporating these easy changes into your every-day, these baby steps can slowly become lifelong health habits. Let’s make 2017 the year of self-motivation!