While losing weight offers a host of benefits for many people, addressing other health issues, like your hearing health and psychological well-being, can make equally compelling New Year’s resolutions.

Go ahead and add “drop a few pounds” to your resolution list, but consider jotting these ideas down as well:

1. Resolve to take care of your hearing health.

About 10 percent of Americans report having hearing difficulties, and that includes about 1.4 million children, according to the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). You may think you’re too young to worry about your hearing, but the BHI also reports that the majority of people with hearing loss (65 percent) are younger than 65. Our increasingly noisy world exposes people of all ages to potentially damaging sounds, so it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your hearing health.

Have your hearing professionally tested every year. If you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, talk to your health care provider to determine if a hearing aid will help you. Hearing aids are now more discreet, versatile and effective than ever thanks to advances from manufacturers like Starkey. The hearing aid maker’s Wi Series employs wireless technology, enhances TV and radio listening, and eliminates the need for manual adjustments. In addition, all of its hearing aids including Wi Series and X Series can help reduce background noise while preserving speech understanding.

2. Resolve to take care of your emotional health.

Stress seems like a natural part of our busy lives these days, but too much stress can be harmful to your overall well-being. According to WebMD, stress can negatively affect your mental health, your immune system, heart, digestive system, skin, lungs and reproductive organs.

Resolve to take steps to relieve stress. Stress-busting can take on many forms for many people, whether it’s spending time with a pet (interacting with animals can lower blood pressure and heart rate), listening to music, meditating or getting rigorous exercise. Don’t worry over how you relieve stress, just do what feels right for you and fits into your schedule and lifestyle and you’ll reap the benefits.
3. Resolve to take care of your bone health.

Healthy bones are important for everyone, not just post-menopausal women and growing children. Most of your body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. When your body doesn’t get enough calcium from outside sources, it starts drawing what it needs from storage, and osteoporosis occurs.

While anyone can experience osteoporosis, certain groups are more at risk than others, including Caucasian women who have gone through menopause, older adults, people who are small in stature, and those with low-calcium diets or who are physically inactive, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ensure your diet includes the recommended amount of calcium per day, and stay active by doing physical activities that help build bone strength, such as walking, running, dancing and weight lifting.

4. Resolve to take care of your feet.

The condition of your feet can clue you in to your overall health, and signs of serious problems like arthritis, diabetes and circulatory issues can all be detected in the feet. More Americans have foot pain than in any other part of their bodies they consider vital to health, such as the skin, teeth or even the heart, according to a survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

To prevent foot problems, make sure you wear shoes that fit well and offer plenty of support, don’t wear the same pair every day, and avoid walking around barefoot, the APMA advises. If you experience foot pain, don’t ignore it; seek a doctor’s help.

5. Resolve to get more rest.

Think you’re OK squeaking by with just five hours of sleep a night? Think again. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) says sleep is essential to your overall health and well-being, yet 60 percent of American adults say they have problems sleeping a few nights a week or more. On average, adults need about eight hours of sleep; some will be alright with an hour or two less, while others will need more.

To help ensure you get the rest you need, maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine for at least four hours before bedtime, don’t have a heavy meal or drink alcohol before you sleep, and create a sleep-friendly environment with minimal light and noise.

The post Five Healthy New Year's Resolutions first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

During the course of a regular day, the average person walks 8,000 to 10,000 steps, but that number can increase dramatically when you’re traveling. From inappropriate footwear to long stretches of inactivity in cramped cars or airplane seats, traveling can be hard on your feet.

“Exploring a new destination with family and friends, or getting to that important business meeting on time should not involve having to struggle with foot pain,” says Michael King, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “By following basic foot care practices, travelers can help ensure foot pain doesn’t slow down their enjoyment of the journey.”

If you’re planning a trip, the APMA recommends you take a few steps to ease the wear and tear on your foot muscles and joints:

* Start out with the proper footwear. If you’re flying, shoes that slide on and off easily make sense, but don’t sacrifice health and safety for convenience. Choose footwear that is comfortable and supportive. Business travelers – especially women – may want to pack their dress shoes in their carry on and wear comfortable footwear while traveling. If you’re driving, and don’t have to worry about speedy shoe removal, go with a comfortable, supportive athletic shoe that will allow your feet to breathe and provides ample cushioning.

* Never go barefoot through airport security. While current security regulations require all travelers to remove their shoes, you’re not required to remove your socks-unless a security officer asks you to. Keep your socks on to help protect your feet from dirt and bacteria.

* If possible, get up and walk around every 45 minutes. Sitting for long periods of time restricts blood flow to the legs and feet, which can lead to swelling and, in extreme cases, blood clots. If walking around isn’t possible-if you’re in a car for a couple of hours or stuck in your seat during a turbulent flight-exercise your legs, ankles and feet while seated. Roll your ankles and point your toes up and down to encourage blood flow. If you have the room to do so, raise each knee and hold it for a few seconds while tensing your thigh muscles. If your feet begin to swell, unlace your shoes.

* Even with the best precautions, vacation walking can create a foot emergency. Pack a foot care emergency kit that’s equipped with adhesive bandages, antibiotic cream, tweezers and nail clippers. You can also include foot lotion for a soothing massage.

* Finally, travel time is no time to try breaking in new shoes. In fact, new shoes should never have to be “broken in” before they feel comfortable. Shoes should be comfortable, without chafing or pinching, from the first time you put them on, otherwise, don’t buy them.

“Our research tells us that most Americans say they have foot pain at least some of the time,” King says. “When you’re traveling, it’s no time to contend with foot pain. Travelers can protect their foot health by following simple precautions.”

To learn more about foot health, or to find a podiatrist in your area, visit www.apma.org.

The post Don't Let Sore Feet Trip Up your Travel Plans first appeared on The How Do Gardener.