With the New Year now upon us, it's important to give pause and consider making some positive changes regarding the state of your health. As they say, there’s no time like the present. People the world over often make resolutions to do something to better themselves in the coming year. In 2006, consider doing something that will benefit your overall health. The following suggestions may just help to ensure that you’re able to make New Year’s resolutions for many years to come.

Get a Check-up - An excellent place to start when considering lifestyle changes is with an honest assessment of your health. At this stage, it wouldn't hurt to consult with your physician. Why not make an appointment for your annual physical exam? This way, you can begin the year with an accurate assessment of your physical state. Your doctor will be able to focus your attention on areas that are of immediate health concern. This is especially important if you’re a smoker, if you’re overweight, or if you have any significant health issues that might prevent you from performing simple daily tasks.

Drink More Water - Make another profound difference to your health by consuming more water. Many people make the mistake of assuming that they’ve received enough water from the various pop, coffee and other beverages they’ve consumed in a day. This is not entirely accurate. Ideally, one should consume upwards of eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Water helps the body metabolize stored fats. It can also help your body cleanse itself of free radicals, which have been linked to cancer and other such ailments.

Get Moving - Exercise is yet another effective way to maintain optimal health. That’s not to say that one has to become entirely committed to working out each and every day, but it’s in every individual’s best interest to perform some form of activity 3 times per week. Physical exercise can be performed in a wide variety of ways to keep it fun and interesting. For instance, the simple act of walking is a highly effective form of exercise. It’s one that can be completed without supervision, without props, and without any previous experience working out. Joining a gym has a number of direct benefits as well. Not only will you have access to some excellent equipment, but you will also benefit greatly from the fitness knowledge that most personal trainers possess.

Pay Attention to Nutrition - Diet also plays a significant role is one's overall health. Everyone should be familiar with the dietary guidelines established by the leading health agencies and authorities. The "food pyramid" is by far the most popular set of published nutritional guidelines. The food pyramid advises people to include all of the major food groups - grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat (or protein) - in their diets. Keep in mind that the food pyramid is merely a nutritional guideline. The dietary needs of each individual will vary drastically, and what’s ideal for one person isn’t necessarily ideal for the next.

By following these few simple suggestions, you can take control of your health and your life in 2006. Good luck!

Anna Fleet is a certified personal trainer. When she is not working out or helping others achieve optimal health, she is the face and voice behind www.fitnessgear101.com – an excellent online resource for information about Fitness Gear Information, Aerobics Equipment, and Workout Routines.