As humans we have become experts at multi-tasking. The issue is that sometimes our priorities are not in line. Anyone who has experienced pain or illness can attest to the fact that without good health, everything else becomes much less important. The lesson here is to take health seriously. We cannot control every aspect of our health. However, with positive changes in lifestyle, we can increase the odds of maintaining good health and therefore, our happiness overall.

The following are the top five New Year’s resolutions. Notice that three out of the five are health related and are 100 percent within our control: increased exercise, weight management and smoking cessation.

Spend more time

with family and friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken and others shows that more than 50 percent of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of camaraderie at a favorite area restaurant or take the family to a popular local place for family fun. Work shouldn’t always come first.

Fit in fitness

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of the popular walks, runs or rides?

Tame the bulge

Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight-loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year’s commitment to shed extra pounds.

Quit smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life. Locally, there are a variety of free support services, hotlines and smoking cessation classes to help you kick the smoking habit. Call 866-697-8487 or visit www.nysmokefree.com to learn more about free help.

Enjoy life more

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years. It’s an important step to a happier and healthier you. Try something new. Take up a new hobby or try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater performance, or head to the local spa. There is a wealth of artistic and recreational activities to meet just about anyone’s wishes.

Chautauqua Physical & Occupational Therapy is located inside the Riverwalk Center, 15 S. Main St., Suite 220, Jamestown and can be reached by calling 488-2322 or visiting www.chautauquapt.com. They are celebrating 19 years of serving the community and are the only outpatient clinic in the area to offer free consultations. They are therapist-owned and operated. In many cases, patients can be treated without a prescription from their physician. Call to learn more. The Live Well Center is a fitness center located on site. It is open to the public, clean and affordable. Call them to learn more about therapy or the Live Well Center.