If you do nothing else for a New Year’s resolution, call your physician or health care provider and schedule a complete, annual checkup.  Be assured you’re OK.

Resolutions are in general very hard to keep, but without your health you won’t be able to make any significant changes, despite your resolve or determination.  If there’s some underlying physical problem causing a condition that you want to change, like losing weight or ending particular habits, no matter what you try to do it may not work – or it could be extra difficult.

Please don’t assume that overweight or obesity is only due to bad habits, or negative personal traits.  It could be metabolic or due to an external factor, like a medication you’re on.  It could be an undiscovered illness or disease that’s easily treatable, with weight gain merely a side-effect.

Also, it’s so important when beginning a new exercise or recreation routine to get the “all-clear” message of approval from your doctor.  It’s a good idea to make sure you won’t be doing yourself any harm by your new bodily zeal.

You know me by now, I’m a believer in the “easy does it” approach, instead of fast, impossible, instant but short-lived dire strategies.  Getting the blessing of your medical doctor or health care specialist is the sane, reasonable and gentle way to be safe, happy and healthy for the New Year.

Remember: Check my “Dr. Norris Chumley SATISFIED LIFE” blog daily for weight loss and well being inspiration and tips, and add an RSS feed so you never miss anything!