It’s that time of year when many people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions and what changes they want to make in the coming year. Statistics show that while 40 percent of people make resolutions, the majority fail within the first month, and only 8 percent end up achieving their objective.

Rather than resolving to change several things at once in your life on the first of the year, consider choosing one thing to work on and break it down into actionable steps that will help you reach your goal. Here are three lifestyle habits to consider in your quest to begin the new year happier and healthier.

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Patients who have type II diabetes end up with high blood sugar because their body does not make enough insulin, the hormone that triggers body cells to remove sugar from the blood stream. Some patients with type II diabetes do make plenty of insulin, but their body’s cells have become resistant to it.

In either case, type II diabetes can have lasting effects on the body — such as vision damage, kidney damage, and nerve damage — particularly if untreated or poorly treated. Many people know that being overweight and eating too much sugar can increase their risk of developing type II diabetes, but these are not the only risk factors. Here are three lesser-known risk factors that you should be aware of.

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If you’re not a fan of the winter season, you may not want to start thinking about the colder months until you have to. Perhaps you don’t even want to think about flu season, snow, and frigid temperatures. However, beginning to prepare now for the challenges winter brings will help keep you happy and healthy in the coming months.

Think About Your Healthcare

Make sure routine and preventative healthcare visits are up to date and get a flu shot. If you’ve been putting off getting a physical examination or discussing nagging health issues with your doctor, now is the time to make an appointment. Winter storms and road closures can make it difficult to travel to appointments during the winter months.

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Many older adults lose weight as they age, which is not necessarily a good thing. When an older adult loses five percent or more of their weight over a period of six months (and they are not specifically working on weight loss), this could be cause for alarm. As a caregiver or family member, here are some of the possible causes of weight loss to explore with your older relative and their doctor.

1. Social Isolation and Depression

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Summer is coming to an end and the start of a new school year is just around the corner. In addition to back-to-school shopping, parents should also schedule their child’s annual physical. Here are some commonly asked questions parents have.

Is an Annual Physical Really Necessary?

The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends school-aged children receive a physical examination every year. An annual exam ensures your child is growing and developing normally. An annual exam can also detect any areas of concern and allows parents the opportunity to discuss their child’s physical and behavioral health with the pediatrician. 

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