The Rappahannock Area Health District wants to help the region keep its New Year’s resolutions by offering simple, sustainable habits for a year of health and wellness.
“As we begin a new year, I encourage everyone in the Rappahannock region to take small, steady steps toward healthier daily habits,” says Dr. David C. Rose, interim health director for the Rappahannock Area Health District. “Together, we can make 2026 a year of stronger bodies and calmer minds.”
Here are some tips for a healthier 2026:
- Get Active: Try to move more and sit less. Take the stairs when you can. Find fun ways to be active, like walking or doing yoga. Aim for about 150 minutes of exercise each week.
- Eat Well: Eat more foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Drink lots of water. Eliminate sugar and junk food/limit alcoholic drinks.
- Manage Stress: Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Try mindfulness or meditation. Spend time with friends and family, manage your stress, and maybe write in a journal.
- Schedule Screenings: Visit your doctor and dentist for regular checkups and screenings. Drink enough water and wash your hands often to stay healthy.
- Quit Smoking: Now is a good time to quit bad habits. Smoking and vaping can hurt your body, so it’s best to stop. Quit Now Virginia is a free service that helps people quit smoking, using tobacco, or vaping.
The Rappahannock Area Health District offers a variety of programs to help residents achieve their health goals, including:
- Family Planning – Routine reproductive healthcare, birth control options, services for men, and preconception counseling for individuals and couples preparing for a healthy pregnancy
- Immunizations
- Sexually Transmitted Infection Screenings
- WIC – Nutrition services for Women, Infants and Children who meet eligibility requirements
- Women’s Health – breast and cervical cancer screenings
Rappahannock Area Health District encourages residents to keep working on their goals to build healthy habits this year. If things don’t always go as planned, the district advises, be kind to yourself, keep trying, do things that make you happy and practice self-care.
