Five tips for a happy and healthy New Year

(NC) Canadians often mark the beginning of a new year with reflection and resolutions. Making small changes is often the best way to keep up the momentum and stay motivated. Here are five simple tips for a healthier New Year:

Stress less: Whether it's experienced at work or at home, stress can have a negative impact on one's health, productivity and relationships with family and friends. And at a time of year when sunlight is scarce and the weather is dreary, it's important not to let stress bring you down. Try to take more time to decompress and incorporate regular exercise, which has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mental health.

Make nutritious choices: It's been shown that North American diets contain far too much salt and sugar, leading to health problems like strokes and weight gain. It's important to make healthy choices and consume a well-balanced diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, milk and alternatives, protein, and healthy fats each day, to provide the body with the energy, vitamins and minerals it requires.

Keep it simple: Goal setting plays an important role in personal success and development – but it's important to have realistic expectations for yourself and for others. Making a 'to-do' list while keeping each goal specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely (S.M.A.R.T) can prove to be productive and extremely rewarding.

Get active: After a holiday season of delicious indulgence, sometimes clothes don't fit like they used to. Not only will hitting the gym help shed a few pounds and improve confidence, but it can also help lift mood and increase energy levels. Plus, exercise has been shown to help reduce stress.

Focus on overall health: It's important that any symptoms out of the ordinary (irritable mood, lack of concentration, sexual dysfunction, low energy etc.) be investigated. In men over the age of 45, these symptoms could be a sign of health related issues, such as hypogonadism or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome, also referred to as Low Testosterone (Low T). It's important to address anything out of the ordinary with a doctor. For more information on Low T, visit www.lowt.ca.

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