The New Year is here, and 2017 has the potential to be your best year ever.  Whether you’ve made a resolution or not, staying healthy should be priority for us all.  Here are 17 tips to stay and live well this year.

1. Get plenty of rest. After you’ve recovered from ringing in the new year, make sure to hit the hay consistently in 2017. Sleep is vital for many bodily processes from maintaining your weight to bolstering your immune system.
2. Exercise. Shoot for 30 minutes a day to stay trim, fit and energized.          
3. Take your medicine regularly. Try placing your pills by the coffee maker or next to your bed if you can’t remember to take them. Use a pill organizer or set a reminder on your phone.
4. Treat yourself. Take time out occasionally to renew your mind and refresh your spirit. Watch your favorite movie or go for ice cream with the family.
5. Read. Dust the cobwebs off your neurons and engage your brain in this seemingly forgotten pastime. You’ll be surprised how quickly your attention span, critical thinking and vocabulary improve.
6. Help somebody. Whether you choose to help an elderly neighbor with household chores or volunteer with a group serving food to those in need, nothing could be more worth your time this year. 
7. Learn your numbers.  Make it a priority to learn your BMI, BP, LDL, FBS and A1C.  These abbreviations can all be demystified with a simple visit to your doctor.  So...
8. Go see your doctor. Routine checkups are where silent killers like high blood pressure and diabetes are discovered. A simple office visit could save your life.
9. Shield your skin. The sun’s rays are dangerous year-round, not only in summer. Take care to wear sunscreen or protective clothing when you are outdoors, no matter the season.
10. Learn your family history. Spend an afternoon with parents or grandparents and learn if your family has a history of diabetes, heart disease or cancer. They’ll enjoy your company and you will gain valuable knowled
11. Don’t stress. Excessive worry or anxiety can lead to health problems both now and down the road. Be proactive in countering stress by engaging in positive activities like exercise and meditation.
12. Get your flu shot. By far the easiest way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. Try to get the vaccine before Thanksgiving for optimal protection during peak flu season.
13. Catch up on other vaccines you need. Check with your doctor or Brookshire Brothers pharmacist to determine if you need a pneumonia, whooping cough or shingles vaccine. Many prescription insurance plans cover these vaccines and more at your local pharmacy.
14. Watch the salt. The current recommended daily amount of sodium is no more than 2,300 mg per day. One serving of Rice-a-Roni can have upwards of 700mg. Excess salt can be a major contributor to high blood pressure.
15. Have a cookout.  Food cooked on the grill requires fewer additives like salt or butter for taste. Also fat will naturally drip off the meat, leaving a healthier entrée for you to enjoy. Picking quality meat is key to success, find the perfect selection with the help of our certified meat cutters.           
16. Maintain your ride.  Just as you make sure headlights and brake lights are functional, make sure your body is in check too – from your health to happiness.
17. Enjoy the year!Choose to make 2017 your best yet.  Stay optimistic and positive even in the tough times and this year will be one for the books.

Matt Baker, PharmD
Brookshire Brothers Pharmacy – Lufkin, TX