your PCP can make recommendations based on your health history and can guide you to an appropriate eating plan and resources. You may want to take the quiz at myplate. gov and get a personalized eating plan based on your age, sex, height, weight and physical activity level. There’ s even an app to help you create healthy habits. The Start Simple app allows you to set daily food goals, see real-time progress and earn reward badges.

RESOLUTION:

EXERCISE MORE

Hoping to increase your physical activity in 2026?“ Talk with your PCP about what is safe for you given your current level of fitness,” Dr. Spencer advises.“ For most adults, the recommendation is 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. This could be brisk walking in the neighborhood or hightempo dancing in a Zumba class. Adults also need to include some type of musclestrengthening activity, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, at least two days each week.” Dr. Spencer says you can benefit from even small amounts of physical activity; just try to move more frequently throughout the day as you work toward meeting the guidelines.

RESOLUTION: LOWER MY HEALTH RISKS

“ Based on your personal and family health history, your PCP can recommend preventive screenings and can help determine any disease risk factors you may have,” Dr. Spencer says. This can catch potential health problems early when they can be treated more easily. Plus, your PCP can help you manage the important health numbers: weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar level.

� DR. STEVEN SPENCER of Washington Regional Fayetteville Family Clinic

RESOLUTION: CONTACT MY PCP

Dr. Spencer suggests starting the new year by scheduling an appointment with your PCP. If you don’ t already have a PCP, visit wregional. com / clinics for a full list of Washington Regional primary care clinic locations throughout Northwest Arkansas, or use the Washington Regional MyChart patient portal to schedule an appointment at Washington Regional Fayetteville Family Clinic. You can create a MyChart account at wregional. com / mychart. With a trusted PCP on your team, your New Year’ s resolutions can be attainable goals.

NUTRITION AND WELLNESS ISSUE | JANUARY 2026 9 OURHEALTHNWA. COM