Three Steps To Consider This Spring For A Healthier Lifestyle

By Dr. John Chang, West Region Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of California

Spring into health this season by refreshing your well-being routine and building healthier habits for the rest of the year. While many Americans make health a primary focus of their New Year’s resolutions, 57% of recent survey respondents said they only adopt healthier lifestyle choices after experiencing a medical concern.

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time to get moving and focus on living a healthier lifestyle. Here are three steps you can start

taking right away:

1. Choose a Primary Care Provider and Access Preventive Screenings
A primary care provider (PCP) can guide you on your health journey, and studies suggest that having access to a PCP may help people live longer. Yet, more than 30% of American adults don’t have one.

An essential part of your health checklist is an annual wellness visit with a PCP—even if you feel healthy. Preventive care visits help you understand your health better and detect problems early. If you don’t have a PCP, check with your health plan for in-network doctors or virtual care options. Many health plans cover preventive services, meaning you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain screenings if you visit an in-network provider.

You might also be eligible to earn rewards for activities like completing a wellness visit or health surveys. Some plans even cover screenings for breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Be sure to review your coverage with your health plan and talk to your employer about available wellness programs.

2. Walk 15 to 30 Minutes Each Day
Getting outdoors in the sunlight can be a great source of Vitamin D, boost your mood, and improve sleep. Regular walks, even for 15 to 30 minutes, are an easy way to enjoy fresh air, get your steps in, and keep your body moving. Studies show walking more could extend your life expectancy by up to 11 years.

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, like brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, such as jogging, each week.

Some employers offer wellness programs that reward employees for meeting health goals like walking 5,000 steps daily or tracking sleep. Check with your employer to see if similar programs are available.

3. Track and Improve Your Sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in your physical and mental well-being, yet more than one-third of adults in the U.S. report regularly not getting enough rest. Experts recommend 7 or more hours of sleep each night. Healthy sleep habits can reduce stress, improve mood, and lower the risk of chronic conditions.

To improve sleep, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and too much screen time before bed. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day.

Incorporating these simple steps into your daily routine could be a great way to boost your overall health and well-being this spring.