CHICAGO — As Americans look ahead to 2017 and make new year's resolutions, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering recommendations to ensure a healthy lifestyle in the new year. 

“This is the perfect time of year for all of us to reflect on our personal health goals and resolve to make healthy lifestyle choices in the coming year,” said AMA President Andrew W. Gurman, M.D. “These seven health recommendations will help people start the year off on the right foot by helping them determine where they can make the most impactful, long-lasting improvements in their health.”

The AMA’s seven recommendations for a healthier new year, include the following:

1.      Limit your consumption of beverages with added sugar

2.      Know your risk for type 2 diabetes—take the self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org

3.      Be more physically active—every healthy adult 18 to 65 years of age needs at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity three days a week

4.      Reduce your intake of processed food and added sodium

5.      If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age

6.      Talk with your doctor about tobacco use and quit

7.      Declare your home and car smoke free to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke

Our best wishes to all for a happy and healthy new year.