Many people aim to be healthier in the new year, but it’s easier said than done. New habits can be difficult to stick to, especially if they significantly change your current routine. But, implementing a healthier routine in 2023 can offer lasting benefits, from higher energy levels throughout the day to chronic disease prevention.

Read on for our five top tips for a healthier you in 2023. 

Explore New Forms of Exercise

Exercise is a crucial element of a healthy lifestyle, as it helps with stress management, muscular strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health. It can also help you reach and maintain an ideal weight. But, if you haven’t yet found a form of exercise that you love, it can be difficult to keep up with a new, active routine. 

So, for a healthier, you in 2023, explore new forms of exercise to incorporate into your routine. Some options to consider include:

• Cycling
• Swimming
• Bouldering
• Kickboxing
• HIIT
• Barre workouts
• Pilates
• Indoor rowing

Drink More Water

You’ve heard it time and time again, but staying hydrated can make a big, positive impact on your overall health. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces (around eight glasses) of water each day. Drinking a glass of water with every meal and while exercising is a great way to start. 

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Although the COVID-19 pandemic began three years ago, cases are continuing to spread across the United States. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you against infection, but this protection will weaken over time. Practicing good hand hygiene, especially after using high-touch surfaces, can further shield you from COVID-19, as well as the flu, RSV, and other contagious viral infections.  

Make High-Quality Sleep a Priority

All adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night for mood regulation, all-day energy, and a strong immune system. In 2023, make your sleep quality a priority by implementing these simple tips:

• Establish a consistent bedtime. 
• Avoid electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime. 
• Avoid drinking caffeine after 2 pm.  
• Limit your alcohol consumption.
• Exercise consistently.

Schedule Your Annual Physical

Scheduling your annual physical is an excellent way to protect your health in 2023. During your physical, your doctor can complete the required screenings and tests, ensuring that your medical history is up-to-date. After your exam, your doctor can also provide recommendations to help you reach your health goals, such as quitting smoking or losing weight. 

Contact Suncoast Urgent Care today to talk to one of our qualified physicians!

With winter approaching and the days getting shorter, we tend to spend more time indoors. Spending more time inside with family or friends can cause various illnesses and infections to spread more rapidly. 

Fortunately, there are measures you can take to keep yourself healthy as the year comes to a close. This article will discuss how to strengthen your immune system during the upcoming winter season. 

Steps to Strengthen Your Immune System

• Get Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated for COVID-19, influenza, and rhinovirus every year is an instant boost to your immune system. It’s one of the most effective preventive measures you can take and enhances the immune system’s natural response to pathogens. 

• Practice Excellent Hand Hygiene

Keeping your hands clean is essential to staying healthy throughout the year, especially during the winter. With the surge of bacteria and viruses during the cold season, children tend to catch these illnesses more than adults due to poor hand hygiene. 

Make a habit of washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before you eat, after using the restroom, and after coming home. Touching your face without clean hands can leave you susceptible to catching contagious illnesses. 

• Sleep

Getting enough sleep at night is necessary for your immune system to function effectively. Aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep per night will ready your immune system to battle illnesses through winter. 

• Drink More Water

Water aids in flushing out bacterial and viral toxins from the body. Try to drink eight to ten glasses of water per day to make sure you’re adequately hydrated and to support your immune system. 

If you fall ill this winter, Suncoast Urgent Care is here to help. Our team of professionals ensures that the communities of South Florida are healthy all year long. Contact us for an appointment!