New Year's resolutions fading away? Try digital tools
Three weeks into the new year, have you kept your resolutions?
Now is a good time to refocus on commitments to live healthier and happier, according to Dr. Donna O'Shea, chief medical officer of population health for UnitedHealthcare.
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"That is a challenge for all of us," O'Shea said. "We all fall off for different reasons. We need to forgive ourselves and get back on it again."
Health and finance resolutions
Resolutions come in a variety of forms, like getting organized, learning a new skill or hobby and even spending more time with family and friends.
"A lot of Americans always make health-plan resolutions for the new year," O'Shea said.
The insurance company's recent survey found that 55% of Americans made health resolutions ahead of 2022, and 53% made financial new year's resolutions.
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More specifically, respondents made the following commitments: 26% to lose weight, 26% to save more money monthly, 25% to earn larger paychecks, 24% to exercise more, 21% to eat a healthier diet and 19% to pay off their debts.
"For the people who have made health resolutions, we also want to help them meet their financial resolutions," O'Shea said.
Digital help with yearlong goals
The doctor said many insurance companies can help their patients use technology to keep pace with their new year's resolutions.
Digital fitness applications are one of her favorite, especially considering many people have stopped going to the gym in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those apps can help tailor a fitness regimen that will focus on strength, endurance and flexibility.
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"Many health plans include subsidies for subscriptions to these digital fitness apps," O'Shea said. "Depending on your plan, there could be no cost to these apps."
There are also fitness trackers that can be programmed to keep track of footsteps, heart rate and sleep patterns.
"It's sometimes linked to incentives to meet certain daily activity goals," O'Shea said. "Many health plans recognize that they really drive good health habits."
She said some insurance companies have paid up to $1,000 to patients who have maintained particularly stellar health habits throughout a given year.
HR to family and friends
The doctor encourages everyone to do a little research and discover what tools and incentives might already be available to them.
"If they work for an employer group, the best place to start would be the HR department," O'Shea said.
Employees can also call member services, or check their online portal and browse their wellness programs.
"As well as other programs," O'Shea said. "Maybe you want to lose weight and maybe they have a weight-loss program. A lot of plans offer those for no additional cost."
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Another common program available through health insurance providers and employers helps with smoking-cessation.
"Even though smoking has decreased over the years, 14% of Americans are still consistent smokers," O'Shea said. "Cigarette smoke is still the leading cause of preventable death in the United States."
Finally, one of the most reliable resources for folks are their relatives and friends. They will always be there with the reminder that changing for the better is difficult work, but is an attainable and worthwhile effort.
"Your family can make a difference," O'Shea said. "Everybody's different so it needs to be an individualized plan of what helps motivate you."
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Need help with health resolutions? A few digital tools might help you.
