Make healthy choices in 2019 with these tips

Improving overall health is a hot topic as the new year begins. Over the course of the holiday season, we tend to consume more calories and exercise less, which can lead to unwanted pounds and digestive issues. Reversing our bad holiday habits isn’t always easy, but the solutions are simple.

If you’ve made a commitment to stop overeating, we commend you. It’s one of the best things you can do on the journey to improve overall health. Overeating can lead to digestive issues, weight gain and obesity – and each of those issues come with its own set of problems that can further compromise your health.

After treating digestive issues for nearly 50 years, our physicians at Gastrointestinal Associates understand how being overweight can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and more. In fact, it’s estimated that about 40 percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States are now tied to obesity.

One of the best ways to improve overall health is to avoid overeating and commit to making good choices each day.

For a great start, incorporate these surprisingly simple basic steps into your daily routine:

  • Make wholesome food choices
  • Get more, consistent sleep
  • Stay active, sit less
  • Drink more water

The hardest part is putting these simple points into practice. Luckily, there are many support resources that can make it easier.

Many resources are available to help implement these changes, including smartphone apps that track food and water intake, exercise and even sleep. Your Gastrointestinal Associates physician or specialist can recommend other weight loss options, including surgical or non-surgical procedures, exercise groups, healthy eating classes and more.

Gastrointestinal Associates offers a non-surgical solution called GIA 180. The program also provides counseling, coaching, support and accountability for a holistic approach to weight loss. For more information, call 865-588-5121 for an appointment.