RCCHC collaborated with Martin, Tyrell, Washington District Health Department for an Outreach Event on January 12 entitled "Getting Healthy in the New Year", in Columbia NC.  Participants were encouraged to add the following healthy resolutions to their annual list.  

• Getting vaccinated. The best way to prevent the flu and many other diseases is to get vaccinated. 
• Visiting your primary care provider. Make an appointment with your primary care provider for a check-up, vaccination, or routine screening. Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They can also help find problems early, when your chances for full recovery are better.
• Making healthy food choices. Your healthy eating plan should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Your diet should be low in saturated fats, transfats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. If you are pregnant or the mother of an infant or young child, you may qualify for WIC benefits to cover the cost of healthy foods.
• Being active. If losing weight is on your New Year's resolution list, it's vital to monitor not just your diet, but also your activity. Winter's limited daylight and cold temperatures mean many people are less active. Regular exercise is best for your health, but even minor changes can make a significant difference, like taking brisk walks, using the stairs instead of elevators when possible, and parking in distant spots in parking lots.
• Getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following sleep guidelines: newborns – 16-18 hours; preschool-aged children – 11-12 hours; school-aged children – at least 10 hours; teens – 9-10 hours; and all adults – minimum of 7-8 hours.
• Prioritizing overall wellness in your life. Start 2017 off on the right foot by making your health a priority. This can include: quitting smoking (1-800-QUIT-NOW).  

Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center offers a variety of ways to help you accomplish your goals this year. 

(Pictured:  Erin Storie and Erielle Cooper)