New York, NY. December 2008. It’s understandable that Americans might pay less attention to protecting their health than in the past, given the economic uncertainties these days. But it’s more important than ever to make efforts to improve and safeguard one’s health and well-being during times of stress. To assist Americans in doing so, the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) presents twelve health-related resolutions. ACSH, a consortium of over 300 physicians and scientists, urges Americans to, first of all, focus on things that matter—such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight.
These are probably the most important resolutions for the new year. Although the popular press frequently exhorts consumers to decrease their exposure to various foods or chemicals, in reality many of these warnings are more hyperbole than fact. ACSH presents some of the real risks to health—risks that have been substantiated by sound scientific studies. The resolutions reflecting these risks are:
- Avoid smoking—the leading cause of preventable risk
- Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
- Don’t drink and drive
- Exercise regularly at an appropriate level
- Consume alcohol only in moderation
- Get regular preventive health care and checkups
- Protect yourself against sexually-transmitted diseases
- Check “alternative” practices with your doctor
- Use seatbelts on every trip
- Keep your teeth and gums in good condition
- Install and maintain a smoke detector in your home
“Incorporating these resolutions into people’s daily lives will help them both improve their health and avoid some significant risks to life and safety,” said Dr. Gilbert Ross, ACSH medical and executive director.
“Americans shouldn’t waste their time or energy on avoiding phantom health risks,” stated ACSH president Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. “Our resolutions point to real risks that have been proven to affect our lives and well-being. Countering these are the actions that people should undertake on a regular basis” she continued.