Want a healthy 2023? Here are some health tips to think about

Adam Cohen and Dr. Rod McEver
·2 min read

Dr. McEver’s Journal

For the final column of the year, let’s change things up. You’ve been running for the better part of your life. Along the way, I’m guessing you’ve picked up a few pearls of wisdom for staying fit and healthy. Care to share a few for the New Year?

Adam Prescribes

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it

We all love a good health or fitness fad. Think: minimalist running shoes; oversized, super-cushioned running shoes; HIIT workouts; low-carb diets; alternate-day fasting.

There could, of course, be some merit to the latest emerging trend. Still, take a look at what you’re currently doing. If it’s working for you, think long and hard before kicking it to the curb.

Sure, we’d all love to improve certain things about ourselves. But especially as I age, I place an ever-increasing premium on a regular routine that keeps me healthy and injury-free — and that I don’t mind doing.

Staying in shape is easier than getting in shape

I’ve learned this the hard way many times.

Especially over the holidays, it’s easy to let your fitness regimen fall by the wayside. Do your best not to let this happen. A body in motion wants to stay in motion, while a body at rest too often grows comfortable right where it is.

Make lemonade

Life will inevitably give you lemons in the form of injuries. When it does, treat them as opportunities.

Can’t run or walk? Move to the pool, where you’ll get a better full-body workout. Can’t swim? Hit the elliptical or stationary bike, which will give you a chance to catch up on all the streaming series you’ve missed.

Avoid despair — don’t compare

Particularly in this age dominated by social media and the Internet, we tend to take stock of our own situations by how we stack up against others. This usually proves a recipe for unhappiness.

As best you can, try not to gauge yourself by comparison, either to friends or to online fitness paragons. There’s always going to be someone faster, stronger and thinner.

Set attainable goals that are realistic for you. Then ignore the noise and make 2023 a year of health and fitness — however you define it.

McEver, a physician-scientist, is vice president of research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Cohen is a marathoner and OMRF’s senior vice president and general counsel. Submit your health questions for them to contact@omrf.org.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Body works: Ignore fads and make 2023 a year of health and fitness