As 2013 winds down, many people take the time to focus on what they did over the year and how they can change it for the next. According to a study done by the University of Scranton, 45% of Americans pledge to make New Year’s resolutions. Year after year, health-related goals rank among the most popular of resolutions. People make the promise to look and feel better in the coming year. Little do many realize the significant long-term pain management and prevention benefits that can come with any health related resolution.

Not surprising, maintaining a proper weight and basic level of nutritional fitness plays a vital role in protecting your spine from wear and tear. According to WebMD, people who carry excess body weight, especially around the waist are at greater risk for low back pain, sleep disorders, spinal disc pain and joint pain. The added weight not only puts strain on the spine, but can cause pressure on other joints such as the knees, hips and ankles as well.

Along with decreasing risk for long-term chronic pain, weight loss can offer several other lifestyle benefits as well such as:

• lowered cholesterol
• improved sleep apnea and other sleep problems
• decreased chance of diabetes
• decreased chance of heart disease

Whether weight loss is necessary for your body or not, healthy living in 2014 should be an important resolution. Whether that means going for an extra walk in the afternoons or eating more fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day, healthy living should be a priority. According to the same study from the University of Scranton, only 8% of the Americans making the resolutions actually follow through with them. Non-Surgical Orthopaedics is encouraging all of our patients and readers to be a part of that 8%. What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Please feel free to share with us!