With the new year fast approaching the topic of resolutions is on many people’s minds. Most people start the new year with fresh ideas and intentions of getting healthy, eating right and exercising. Often these goals are too broad and people quickly fail because these goals were not targeted enough. Try selecting some of these five resolutions to improve your health in 2012!

1. Eat More Fish: Improving your heart health is as simple as adding fish like salmon and herring to your diet twice per week.These Omega-3 fatty acids in these foods help to reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health. Not a fan of fish? Try adding a handful of walnuts or a fish oil supplement to your daily routine!
2. Get Moving!  Set realistic goals to exercise more by walking every day on your lunch break for a minimum of 15 minutes per day. Gradually increase speed and try to add either a second 15 minute session or walk for longer.  For accountability ask a co-worker to join you to keep motivation up. Invest in quality orthopedic shoes for women or men to prevent sore feet as an excuse for skipping your daily walk!
3. Quit Smoking! If you could pick only one thing to do for your health in 2012 it should be to quit smoking! This is the single best way to improve your health. With many prescription medications available to help patients quit for good, kicking the habit has never been easier. Ask family members and friends to act as a support system and to help motivate you to stick to your goals.
4. Lose Weight! Many people have this goal set at the beginning of the year without a realistic number in mind. Set small goals with specific deadlines and celebrate your accomplishments.  Learn what a realistic weight loss goal is for you using this weight loss calculator. Aim to lose weight slowly to avoid frustration and as a safer method of weight loss.
5. Use Sunscreen! This one is so easy to do!  Make sure to use sunscreen everyday to keep skin free of wrinkles and age spots. Daily use of sunscreen significantly reduces your risk of skin cancer. In addition, get into the habit of checking your skin for any changes and see your doctor promptly if you notice a changing mole!

The key to success in the new year is setting goals that are attainable and finding ways to hold yourself accountable.

Take time to write down specific goals with deadlines.

Be sure to tell friends and family so that they can keep you going.

If you stumble, don’t get frustrated but keep trying! With persistance you can stick to those resolutions in 2012!