Making New Year’s resolutions has become an American tradition. If you are like millions of Americans, one or more of your resolutions will pertain to your health. Lawrence Memorial Hospital offers these suggestions to help make 2015 healthier and happier for you, your family and community.

Lawrence Memorial Hospital is a major sponsor of WellCommons.

• See your health care provider for an annual physical and make sure your family gets routine health screenings. Immunizations, along with screenings for early detection or prevention of disease, can keep you healthy and improve your quality of life. Talk to your health care provider about the screenings that you and your family need. If you don’t have a primary care provider, check out the Provider Directory online at www.lmh.org.

• Learn the risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women. Visit www.lmh.org/heart-risk to assess your risk for a heart attack and learn more about cardiac services at LMH.

• Enroll in a health improvement or education class. There are many opportunities in Lawrence. Check out the LMH programs at www.lmh.org and click Wellness Resources or visit the Lawrence Parks and Recreation website at www.lprd.org.

• Take a walk! It’s free, doesn’t require any equipment and you can do it on your schedule and at your pace. The one-eighth mile indoor track at Sports Pavilion Lawrence is a great choice when the weather prevents outdoor walking. On Friday, Jan. 23, LMH and Lawrence Parks and Recreation are offering a free one-mile walk test and presentation. Drop in between 7 and 8:30 a.m. and participants will be timed as they walk one mile on the indoor walking track at a pace comfortable for them. A presentation on the health benefits of walking and how to start or enhance a walking program will be offered from 9 to 9:30 a.m. No registration required.

• Don’t do it alone. Find a friend, family member or co-worker with similar goals. Exercise or walk together and share successes and failures. LMH’s Fit for Life program is a great way to get started. Call LMH Therapy Services at 785-505-2712 for more information.

• Become an organ/tissue donor. Give blood. Complete Advance Directives. Talk to your family and let them know how you feel about important health decisions.

• Drink more water. We need water to flush out toxins, keep our tissues hydrated, and keep our energy up. Have a big glass of water before and after every meal. Also have one midmorning and one midafternoon. Make a point to take a drink from every water fountain you pass.

• Volunteer. LMH and the community have many options for you to contribute your time and talents. Talk to us about your interests and time requirements and we will do our best to match you with an opportunity to make a difference. Visit www.lmh.org/volunteer-services or www.volunteerdouglascounty.org for a listing of volunteer opportunities.

• Lighten up — don’t take things so seriously. Stress can contribute to symptoms of illness. Taking even five to 15 minutes for yourself each day to relax can help you stay mentally and physically healthy.

• Begin immediately. If you are waiting for a more convenient time to make lifestyle changes, it won’t happen. Now is as good as any time. If you start now, you’ll have a jump on a healthier and more satisfying life.

Janice Early is Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, which is a major sponsor of WellCommons.