Many people want to get healthy and the New Year is often the ideal time to start. Overall wellness is important, regardless of your goals. Seeing a doctor regularly, taking your medications as prescribed, and making lifestyle changes like getting more exercise and eating healthier can all be great steps in the right direction to a healthier you in 2025.
“We need to have a panoramic view of how we should take care of ourselves, including
physically, spiritually, and mentally,” said Samar Mehyar, MD, internal medicine resident at McLaren Bay Region Academic Center for Internal Medicine. “Make sure to have a healthy diet plan and exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes each. Meditate and spend time in nature to distress, while setting clear goals for the long and short term, enabling you to develop a clear plan of what you want to do in life, which can help you grow mentally.”
In addition to adopting a more balanced diet, staying active, and reducing stress with meditation, there are a couple of other habits that are also vital to your health and may even improve it.
“Getting 7-9 hours of sleep daily, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, staying hydrated, and having regular medical check-ups are also important habits to improve or sustain your health,” said Khalid Elhassan, MD, internal medicine resident at McLaren Bay Region Academic Center for Internal Medicine. “Maintaining your health can reduce disease risks by enhancing immune function and reducing systemic inflammation. Healthy habits can lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Additionally, regular check-ups can detect issues early, allowing for timely interventions that can reverse or manage conditions before they become severe. A healthy lifestyle supports overall well-being and longevity.”
The chronic diseases that people have in their 50’s and 60’s start to develop in their 20’s and 30’s and can be prevented.
“Preventing chronic diseases needs to start as early as we can, by making sure that we follow a healthy diet, exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes, avoid smoking, and have regular check-ups,” said Dr. Mehyar. For example, in diabetic patients, if they follow a strict diet and keep their blood sugar levels under control, they can avoid some complications like chronic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, and retinopathy in the future.”
Both Dr. Mehyar and Dr. Elhassan expressed the importance of setting clear and realistic goals for yourself when trying to create a healthier lifestyle.
“Whether it's about sticking to a healthy diet, like a Mediterranean diet, or creating an exercise regimen that suits your working hours and daily schedule, be sure it doesn’t overwhelm you because mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness,” said Dr. Mehyar.
“Be sure to have a plan and track your progress when you are achieving your goals,” said Dr. Elhassan. “For example, if you want to commit to exercising regularly, you could create a weekly workout schedule and use a fitness app to log your activities. Having a set plan and tracking your progress can keep you motivated. Also, try to achieve or share these goals with a friend, which can help to add an extra layer of accountability.”
Dr. Elhassan and Dr. Mehyar are accepting patients at McLaren Bay Region Academic Center for Internal Medicine. Call (989) 667-3400 to make an appointment. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.