Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Sixty-nine percent of us do.

Here are the top three resolutions according to a recent survey — 1) lose weight, 2) get more exercise, and 3) quit smoking and be more financially responsible (tie).

Whether you make resolutions or not, this is a great time of year to focus on improving your health and fitness. Here’s how to have a healthy Happy New Year.

H – ealth. Make health a priority this year. Health should be more than the absence of disease – read on for ideas.

A – ttitude. A positive attitude may not cure a disease. However, thinking positive can help you deal with misfortune, make the most of your situation and enjoy life more.

P – hysical activity. The U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend “at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity such as brisk walking. Additional benefits occur with more physical activity. Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activity are beneficial.”

P – eople. Numerous studies indicate social networks, whether formal (such as a church or social club) or informal (such as meeting with friends), make people less vulnerable to ill health and premature death. Be wary, however, of social interactions that drain you by being too demanding of your time or encouraging you to engage in harmful behaviors.

Y- our body. Schedule immunizations and physical checkups as needed: eyes, teeth, mammogram, colonoscopy, general physical, flu shot, etc.

N – O! Rather than adding “take a time management class” to your “to do” list, consider starting a “don’t do” list. You may discover doing LESS can bring MORE enjoyment to your life. Especially if doing less allows you to spend time doing more to contribute to your health and happiness and that of family and friends.

E – at healthy. To move to a healthier weight, you need to make smart choices from every food group every day. Smart choices are the foods with the lowest amounts of solid fats or added sugars: for example, fat-free (skim) milk instead of whole milk and unsweetened rather than sweetened applesauce. Also, consider how the food was prepared. For example, choose skinless baked chicken instead of fried chicken and choose fresh fruit instead of a fruit pastry.

W – isdom. Take time to listen to your own body. Rather than set your goals based on how fast other people walk or jog, how little sleep others can get by on or what someone else eats, concentrate on what makes YOU healthy.

Y – our hands. People do not wash their hands as often as they think. One study which observed more than 6,000 adults in public restrooms showed that only 68 percent washed hands (74% of women observed washed their hands compared with 61% of men.) Washing your hands is one of the best personal habits you can use to prevent illness.

E – nough sleep. Sleeping too little takes a serious toll on people’s health, productivity and mood. Cutting back on other activities rather than cutting back on sleep may be more effective in enhancing your health and quality of life.

A – void portion distortion. Rather than always worrying about “what” you eat, also consider “how much” you eat. Downsize your portion sizes. Serve food on smaller plates. Eat from plates and bowls rather than packages and bags, so you see how much you’re eating.

R – eading materials. Consider the source before starting a new drastic diet or exercise plan. Beware of plans that promise quick, dramatic results; charge large fees for consultations, equipment, supplements, etc.; or rely solely on testimonials or statements from “professionals” with unusual-sounding degrees.

Get a healthy start on your new year. For more information on health and nutrition, visit the K-State Research and Extension nutrition topics website at www.ksre.ksu.edu/HumanNutrition/p.aspx?tabid=64.

Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.