Healthy Behaviors to Ring in 2023

You might hear the phrase "New year, New You!" as an encouragement to embrace healthy New Year's resolutions. A more truthful expression might be, "New year, same you, so take care of the only you you have."

Feel better and reap the many benefits of healthy living with these daily habits and tips. But first, how strong is your resolve? This will take action and practice.

Daily Habits That Keep You Healthy

1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
2. Make it a priority to get enough sleep.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Eat food that supports your health — veggies and all.

Staying Up to Date on Vaccinations

If you can't remember the last time you had a tetanus booster, check with your doctor because it's probably time to schedule one. Get your annual flu shot and consider a COVID-19 booster.

Schedule and Arrange "Regular Maintenance"

Annual physical exams and screening tests are essential parts of preventive health care. How can you be active in taking care of yourself? Be bold and ask questions. To get started:

1. Ask your doctor which kinds of screening tests you need
2. Ask, how often should you schedule them?
3. Create a schedule to track appointments
4. Set up appointment reminders
5. Request time off work when needed
6. Prepare transportation if necessary

Do You Know When to Call a doctor?

Some changes in your health mean you should call your doctor. It's best to catch problems early while they're easier to treat. Schedule an appointment if you experience any of the following:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest, abdominal, or pelvic pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden or new headaches
• Changes in your bathroom habits

Don't Just "Tough it Out."

Sometimes, a typical cold or case of the flu progresses to the point where you need to see your doctor. Call your doctor if:

• You have the flu, are pregnant, have heart disease, or are a senior.
• You have a fever that hasn't resolved after a few days, or if it's very high (above 103˚ Fahrenheit or 39.4˚ Celsius).
• You have a severe cough that lasts more than two weeks.
• You have extreme difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and shortness of breath—these are not usual cold symptoms.
• You can't keep anything down and are at risk for dehydration.

Think of it this way — if you got a new car on January first, you'd be sure to bring it into the dealership for regular maintenance. Likewise, it would be best if you took care of your body. Sometimes that means eating well. Sometimes it means bringing yourself to the doctor to get checked out. Ask yourself, is it time for your tune-up?

Avoid Injury and Manage Risk

Lastly, a large part of staying healthy is staying safe and avoiding injury. Did you know that injury rates in the construction and manufacturing industries are higher than the national average? Common injuries can be avoided by using Construction and Maintenance Daily Log Books.

Accurate, complete record-keeping Is vital! What can the Daily Log do for you?

1. Provide a consistent, complete form to record daily activities and events.
2. Keep all of your job-related notes in one place.
3. Increase the credibility of your notes in case of arbitration or litigation—a hard-bound log is a legal document.
4. Keep your notes safe for the entire year—the Daily Log's durability is unsurpassed.
5. Keep your ducks in a row and your profits in your pocket!

Resolve to adopt new behaviors and better habits this year, and take action that will lead you toward a safe and healthy future. Share the gift with those you work alongside. We wish you a very safe, healthy, and happy New Year!