Four weeks into the New Year, it’s time to take stock of your resolutions for 2015. Did you resolve to get more exercise? Lose weight? Eat healthier meals? The determination to improve your health may have been strong and unshakeable on January 1, but as the cold weather put a damper on your daily walks and your favorite comfort food started calling your name, the excitement for your personal makeover may have started to grow dim.

“It’s not a sign of personal defeat to find you are unable to stick to all the big plans you had for better health,” said Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Common mistakes in setting goals include making them too big, too high, or not specific enough to actually complete. It’s better to take small steps.” With each small victory, Quinlisk says you’ll find greater motivation to continue your journey to good health.

“There are simple resolutions we can all keep,” said Quinlisk. “If you do each of these things every day, you’ll be on your way to better health.”

Quinlisk’s suggestions include:

1. Drink one glass of water before each meal research shows this easy action increases hydration and decreases hunger.

2. Stand up at every commercial (radio or TV) recent studies show that sitting for long periods may be as damaging to your health as smoking.

3. Eat one raw fruit or vegetable with each meal you’ll add fiber and anti-oxidants to every meal.

4. When shopping, take the first open parking space and walk an easy way to add exercise to your daily routine.

5. Stand on one foot while brushing teeth it’s harder than it sounds! You’ll improve balance and strengthen core muscles.

For more tips on healthy eating, exercises, and wellness, connect socially with IDPH on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth; on Twitter at:

www.twitter.com/IAPublicHealth;

www.pinterest.com/iapublichealth.