(dailyRx News) January 1, 2010 marks not only the start of a new year but also the start of a new decade. To mark this momentous occasion, why not move beyond the usual new year's resolution that typically falls by the wayside within a few weeks?
All too often, our new year's resolutions focus on some element of our lives that we believe requires a major change or upheaval, typically involving some sort of emotionally tumultuous denial or physically grueling, to overcome. Yet as the old saying goes, you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. So why not resolve in 2010 to add some small improvement to your daily or weekly routine that may not necessarily lead to some made-for-reality-TV big-reveal moment but instead engender a deeper, more meaningful manifestation of good health and good cheer?

Be Green--And Red and Yellow and Purple
Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, omnivore or pescetarian (a person observing a diet that includes seafood, excludes mammals and birds and may or may not include eggs and dairy products), make vegetables a central part of your daily food intake. In fact, federal dietary standards recommend three to five servings a day for good health. If you're not a lover of veggies, achieving this goal may seem daunting, but it's really not hard to get those servings in. Examples of one serving include two broccoli spears, three tablespoons of green beans or three celery sticks.

Be sure to include dark, leafy greens in your daily serving of fruits and vegetables. Often referred to as a "protective food," the members of this group provide essential vitamins and nutrients that help protect you from many of life's worst diseases.

Get on Your Feet
Dr. Warren Levy, Ph.D., of Unigene Laboratories, reminds people that "when it comes to the risk of thinning bones, it's the weight-bearing nature of exercise that signals bones to create more mass. Without such stress, bones do not get stronger and become more prone to injury."

Men and women should take part in weight-bearing activities and exercise, which doesn't necessarily mean lifting weights. Walking, jogging and even hatha yoga involve supporting the weight of one's body in various positions and movement against the pull of gravity. Folks who already cycle or swim frequently should be sure to get in some walking or jogging a couple of times a week to reap the benefit of weight-bearing activities.

Brush Your Teeth, Protect Your Heart and Brain
We're all aware of the dental health and cosmetic benefits of brushing and flossing regularly, but these dental hygiene habits have additional benefits hidden beyond the mouth.

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily not only prevent tooth decay, but they also prevent gum disease, which has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. Healthy gums are one more way to keep that heart pumping strong.

Be in the Know
A major issue throughout 2009 in the U.S. was health care reform. This hot topic is far from resolved, and knowing what's happening and how it could impact you, your wallet and your health is important. While a lot of information--and misinformation--is out there about the health care reform debate, sifting through it all and asking questions is the responsibility not only of any good citizen but also any responsible adult. After all, no one's more responsible for managing your health than you are.

If you're overwhelmed by all the voices and ideas in the debate, a good place to start sorting out what's what is the Obama Administration's Web site for this very important topic, www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health-care.

Be a Small Fry
Admit it: You have a favorite food or two you can't get enough of. But that doesn't mean you need to eat all you can of it every time you get it. Instead, why not start the new decade by leaving a little more in the carton, package or serving dish and putting a little less on your plate?

This notion doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself. Be judicious in your portions, and your health will reap the rewards. For example, if you order a small serving of French fries at McDonald's instead of a large one, you can cut 270 calories from your meal, not to mention reduce your intake of artery-clogging grease--and still enjoy the food you love.

Take a Break
Vacations can not only be good for your emotional health, but they also have many other benefits. Studies have shown that employees come back to work after a vacation more creative and more productive. Says Dian Griesel, CEO of corporate communications firm Investor Relations Group, "It is so important to get away from the daily routine to recharge your batteries and reconnect with family or friends."

Scrub a Dub Dub
One of the best ways to avoid illnesses such as the common cold, seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus is by washing your hands. According to the Mayo Clinic, hand-washing best practices include lathering up really well with good old-fashion soap and washing for at least 20 seconds. Hand-sanitizing products can do in a pinch, but don't miss an opportunity to scrub your hands as well as surfaces that get touched frequently (light switches, door knobs, tabletops, remote controls, etc.) to keep bacteria and viruses in check.

Lend a Hand
A study from Vanderbilt University found that volunteer work not only helps the community but also has mental and physical health rewards for volunteers. People of all ages who volunteered, the researchers determined, were happier and experienced better physical health and less depression. Other studies have found the volunteering has even helped alleviate chronic pain.

Not sure what skills you might have to offer a charitable organization? Think about the tasks you like to do in your spare time--reading, cooking, shopping--and there's likely to be a group in need of your talents. A great place to find an organization is www.volunteermatch.org.

Treat Yourself
Giving gifts to others can make us feel good, but it's just as important to occasionally give yourself a little gift as a reward for working hard. These treats don't have to be big-ticket items either. Whether it's a nice bottle of wine, a new suit or a professional hairstyle, create a plan that will enable you to have this much longed-for reward in your grasp by year's end.

Start the New Year and Decade With a Clean State
Rather than dwelling on the mistakes you made and mishaps you endured during the past year or the past ten years, set your sights on the good things to come with the new year and the new decade. That positive attitude will create within you excitement for the days, weeks, months and even years to come that you can then channel into actions to achieve your goals. After all, you can't really get ahead if you're always looking behind you.