Four Tips for a Healthy Start to 2024 

The beginning of a new year symbolizes a fresh start and, for many of us, it provides a renewed focus on our overall health and wellbeing. That’s why so many of us set New Year’s resolutions intended to improve our wellness. Turning the page on the calendar gives us a chance to turn the page on old unhealthy habits, commit to being better, healthier versions of ourselves, and look to the future with hope for what’s to come. 

Living a healthier life can reduce your risk of illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer; and it can help to boost your energy, sharpen your memories, and stabilize your mood, leading to a noticeable improvement in your overall health. 

If you mean to lead a healthier life this year, check out these tips to help you make simple changes and stay healthy for the long run. 

Be Realistic 

Changing how you eat overnight can be daunting, but eating healthfully doesn’t mean you have to starve or deprive yourself. Instead, let yourself indulge sometimes, and make one or two healthy changes each week, like drinking fewer soft drinks or eating a salad with dinner each night. Rather than making a sweeping change that can be hard to sustain, you’ll be building and maintaining healthy habits that will last throughout 2024 and beyond. 

Drink More Water

Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. If you exercise regularly, you may need more water to stay hydrated. Sports drinks can be helpful to replace salts and provide some sugar if you are especially active. Sodas, energy drinks, fruit juices, and adult beverages are a big source of extra sugar. Cut them out, and you’ll cut out a lot of empty calories. Instead, choose water, tea, coffee, or other unsweetened beverages. 

Prioritize Your Sleep 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a third of U.S. adults say they typically get less than the recommended amount of sleep. Poor sleeping habits can raise your risk for high blood pressure, increased stress, weight gain, depression, loss of motor skills and poor heart health. If you are having difficulty maintaining good sleep habits or are experiencing any of the symptoms of a sleep disorder, Saline Health System’s Sleep Center can help. Contact 501.776.6197 for more information.

Schedule an Annual Check-up 

There’s no better time than the start of a new year to schedule your annual check-up or any other health screenings you may need. Annual wellness exams and recommended health screenings give you and your provider the opportunity to catch health issues before they become serious and avoid any potential complications that arise from delaying care. Scheduling your annual check-up or screening is also a great way stay on top of things like recommended immunizations and any other needed procedures. 

Here at Saline Weight Loss Center, we are also starting the new year off with a fresh start. We are now the Arkansas Bariatric Institute. We’re rebranding to help our patients better understand the quality and scope of the weight loss services we provide. Since we first started treating patients, our clinic has become one of the only nationally accredited bariatric centers in Arkansas. We’ve been accredited by MBSAQIP, we’re an Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence, and we’re a Blue Distinction Center with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. 

We were also recently recognized by the readers of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette as the Best Weight-loss Clinic for the second year in a row! 

We are deeply honored to have received these recognitions. This rebrand doesn’t reflect any change in our operations. Our team is the same, our practices are the same, and so is our commitment to our patients. 

At Arkansas Bariatric Institute we understand that weight loss isn’t just about weighing less. It’s about living more—feeling healthier, having the strength and the energy to accomplish your goals, lowering the risk of developing cancer, and having more years to spend with the ones you love. Now is the best time to get started on your journey! If you are interested in seeing how we can help, give us a call at 501.574.7171 or visit SalineWeightLoss.org.