Every January, millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions to change their lives for the better. Studies show that almost half of these resolutions involve their health. Many of us resolve to lose weight, exercise more or quit smoking, just to name a few.
As another holiday season ends, this is the perfect opportunity to start the new year off right. FastMed is here to help you set and accomplish your most important health goals in 2023 and beyond.
FastMed provides immediate walk-in attention for a wide spectrum of urgent care needs, including physicals for work, school, sports and more. The new year is just around the corner, so let’s get started!
Physicals Help You Know Where You Stand
Before you make an effort to set health goals or commit to lifestyle changes, it’s essential to know where you stand. The primary purpose of a physical exam is to protect your future health. At FastMed, we make getting a physical convenient and easy, with no appointment necessary. You can schedule your visit online and download forms in advance to save even more time.
Physicals give us a clear picture of your current health. They also allow us to check for signs of illness and other health concerns, then warn you about impending health issues while you still have time to correct them. A physical can help pinpoint things like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity risk.
Get in, get out and get the answers you need at FastMed! All FastMed locations offer many types of physicals, including:
- General physicals
- School physicals
- Sports physicals
- Camp physicals
- Employment physicals
- Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals
Moving Forward with Your Health Goals
Once your physical is complete, it’s time to focus on managing the issues at hand. Remember, you’re never too hold, too overweight or too out of shape to make healthy changes. The knowledgeable, friendly staff at FastMed can help you:
Set realistic goals
Losing 50 pounds may seem like an overwhelming task, especially in the beginning. Instead, set a smaller goal of losing 5 pounds a month over the next year. Think in baby steps, not giant leaps.
Make meaningful changes
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, exercise more or both, commit to making small but significant lifestyle changes. For instance, take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Walk 30 minutes each day to burn extra calories. Limit fast food to once a week at most. Seemingly minor changes like these can have a huge impact on your health goals.
Understand why these changes matter
Even small improvements in weight, eating habits or physical activity can lengthen your life. For example, if you’re overweight or obese and lose just 7% of your body weight, your risk for diabetes lowers by nearly 60%. Knowing facts like these can help you stay focused over the long haul.
Track your progress
Self-monitoring (such as keeping an exercise log or weighing yourself weekly) is critical. The caring professionals at FastMed are also here to answer your questions, help you stay on track and support you through any challenges.
Don’t forget about your mental health
Keeping your stress low and taking measures to improve your mental health is crucial to your wellbeing. Carving out time to journal, read a book, spend time in nature, or take a yoga or meditation class are all great ways to improve your overall health.
Get Your Family and Friends on Board
Changing your habits may directly affect your inner circle of family and friends. For instance, if you’re trying to lose weight, you should avoid high-fat, sugary foods (yes, even Grandma’s special dessert). Let your family and friends know what you’re trying to accomplish and ask for their support in helping you achieve your goals.
Prepare Your Health Plan
Working with the team at FastMed, your health plan for the new year should include:
- Where you’re headed
- Why you want to get there
- What challenges you may face
- How you plan to work through them
What if things don’t go according to plan? FastMed has you covered. Handling unexpected injuries, illnesses and other health issues is our specialty.
With extended hours on weekdays, weekends and holidays, we provide the care you need – precisely when you need it.
Visit FastMed Today
We can’t think of a better way to start the new year than by improving your health. You don’t have to wait days or weeks for a doctor’s appointment – just walk into FastMed instead! For physicals, urgent care services and more, find a FastMed location in your neighborhood today.
About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.