In this Mayo Clinic Minute, Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Mayo Clinic physician specializing in nutrition and editor of "The Mayo Clinic Diet," explains how to face 2024 with optimism, and he offers creative strategies for success when it comes to health.

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A new year can be a great time to kick-start a new, healthier routine. But the reality is, most people, while they may have great intentions, end up ditching their New Year's resolutions within the first two weeks.

Dr. Hensrud says it's important to go into the new year with the right attitude.

"Not focusing on a goal weight, but looking at this as an opportunity to eat better, to move more and, most of all, to feel better," he says.

Whether you want to work out more, eat a more healthful diet or both, Dr. Hensrud says it should be a priority in your schedule.

"They can make it part of their lifestyle, and they can improve their health and manage their weight throughout the year, not just for two weeks in January," says Dr. Hensrud.

He says the first steps toward weight management can be overwhelming, complex and stressful, but it doesn't have to be. One strategy that can help is planning.

"If we don't plan, we may have to eat whatever's available. We may not make good choices. So, the work and the effort, a lot of it is in the planning," says Dr. Hensrud.

The post Mayo Clinic Minute: Strategies for health success in the new year appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, as it typically spreads rapidly to nearby organs, and it is seldom detected in its early stages. Historically, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only about 7 percent, but new treatment options are improving those numbers.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Mark Truty, a general surgeon at Mayo Clinic, will discuss pancreatic cancer and explain the new treatment protocol that is offering hope. Also on the program, Dani Johnson, a physical therapist at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, will have tips to get you moving in the new year. And, Dr. Anne Wheaton, an epidemiologist and sleep program lead in the Division of Population Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joins the program to discuss why Americans aren’t getting enough sleep.

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The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Pancreatic cancer appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, as it typically spreads rapidly to nearby organs, and it is seldom detected in its early stages. Historically, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only about 7 percent, but new treatment options are improving those numbers.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. Mark Truty, a general surgeon at Mayo Clinic, will discuss pancreatic cancer and explain the new treatment protocol that is offering hope. Also on the program, Dani Johnson, a physical therapist at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, will have tips to get you moving in the new year. And, Dr. Anne Wheaton, an epidemiologist and sleep program lead in the Division of Population Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joins the program to discuss why Americans aren’t getting enough sleep.

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The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Pancreatic cancer / healthy new year / sleep crisis appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

1. The importance of healthy eating is no secret, but putting it into practice can be problematic. Consider these tactics to make your nutritious endeavors more successful:
   • Eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean sources of protein.
   • Pick fresh foods while shopping, and skip processed items.
   • Avoid mindless snacking. If you want a snack, try nuts, dried fruit or quick-and-easy veggies like carrots or celery.

2. Watch your portions. Portion control can go a long way in losing excess fat and maintaining a healthy weight.Do you spend the majority of your time sitting in front of a screen? If so, it’s time to make a positive change. Inactivity is a real killer, contributing to , and a host of other life-threatening conditions. Regardless of how you choose to exercise, just get moving. Even 10 minutes of activity each day is better than none, and you may need to start slow. Try for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Examples of moderate activity include a brisk walk, riding bike or cleaning your house.
3. Obesity is a major problem for your health and a major problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 35 percent of adults and 17 percent of kids ages 2 to 19 are obese. The CDC also cites average medical costs for obese folks are more than $1,400 higher than people of normal weight. If you are overweight or obese, take action to get healthier. Improving food and activity choices are a great place to start. Talk to your health care team about putting together a wellness plan.
4. Making health a habit may be the biggest key to a better year. While I’ve discussed some habits to create, there are also some habits to eliminate or make sure you never begin.
   • Don’t smoke or, if you do, quit now. There’s no sugar-coating the fact that smoking kills. There’s no safe amount of smoking — period. Smoking causes about 90 percent of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) deaths, per the American Lung Association. Consult your health care team about ways to quit smoking for good.
   • Drink in moderation, if at all. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest that men consume no more than two alcoholic beverages per day and women no more than one per day. A standard drink is defined as:
     • Beer: 12-ounce bottle
     • Wine: 5-ounce serving
     • Distilled spirits (80 proof): 1.5-ounce serving

5. Lessen stress. Stress can negatively contribute to your health. Take time away from work or stressful situations by exercising, spending time with loved ones or meditating.

"We always have the opportunity to turn our health around, but the start of the New Year is a natural point to get started," says Dr. Stahl. "Take into account the above suggestions as you map out your plan for a healthier 2015."

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