Karen Evans, M.D., a pediatrician with Cook Children’s in Keller, says setting New Year’s resolutions is a healthy tradition no matter what your age and should ultimately be a family affair.

“Everyone in the family should create one or two resolutions focused on working toward a more healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Evans said. “Choose goals that will be attainable for the family as a whole.”

Starting the new year off by adopting a healthier lifestyle can be difficult. Dr. Evans suggests defining basic goals that can be realistically achieved and give the motivation needed to sustain permanent lifestyle changes.

Basic resolutions for the entire family may include:

• Eating meals at the table as a family at least four times a week.
• Preparing more meals at home.
• Limiting fast food and takeout.
• Packing lunches for school and work.
• Planting a garden.
• Going for a family bike ride, walk, swim or hike two times a week.

About the source

Karen Evans, M.D., is a Cook Children's pediatrician in Keller. Dr. Evans earned her medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas. She completed her internship, residency and became the Chief Resident of Pediatrics at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. She is board certified and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Evans' professional interests include childhood obesity and expanding health care access to underserved children.