While it may be cliche to set New Year’s resolutions, there is power in a fresh start to a brand new year. As you take down last year’s calendar and hang your new version, what would you like to change? You have myriad choices for areas of growth: lifestyle, fitness, diet, health, sleep, career. Despite endless possibilities for where you can start, you can BEST take hold of the new year and its vast opportunities by setting a course for better health as your top priority.

Why set your health goals first? Because without your personal health and the wellness of your family, all other goals may falter. Think about it: if you’re constantly tired or feel sluggish, how can you apply your best to resolutions about your career or household? Similarly, chronic pain throughout your body or localized somewhere like your back or neck can sap anyone’s energy and resolve. Bottom line is that you first must take care of YOU before you can take care of anyone or anything else in your life.

The hardest part of taking care of yourself: simply STARTING. Like many changes in our lives, the biggest question is how to start. The answer for how to start is as cliche as any saying: step-by-step. We recommend a great way to start prioritizing yourself and your health is by WALKING. What if you started each morning with a very simple, easy 15 minute walk? Chances are it would clear your mind and prepare you for a more organized day, it would certainly support improved cardiovascular health, and that short walk could give you a burst of energy and satisfaction that may surprise you.

One key to starting off 2012 right: conquer your health one step at a time. Walking is that great start to prioritizing YOU, and by accomplishing that first goal, you will be amazed at how you are able to tackle the next goal you put your mind to.

Here’s to YOUR prosperity and great health in 2012,

Dr. Miller