Are your New Year’s resolutions ready? The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to leave behind bad habits and embrace a healthier lifestyle. While some resolutions can be harder to keep than others, focusing on a few key changes can make a big difference. In 2025, Carson City Health and Human Services challenges you to quit smoking, eat better, and move more to start the year on a healthier note.
The Facts
Smoking: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 38 percent of adults in Nevada use tobacco products, including smoking (14.8 percent) and vaping (23.5 percent). Smoking can lead to heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and various cancers. These health issues contribute to over 480,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
Obesity: The CDC reports that Nevada’s adult obesity rate was 30.8 percent in 2023, a slight decrease from previous years but still higher than 2020 levels. Obesity significantly increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. For young adults, obesity can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Addressing obesity early is crucial to preventing long-term health complications.
Steps Toward Change
Change can be challenging, but it is often easier than you think once you take the first step. Carson City Health and Human Services encourages you to make healthier habits a priority in 2025.
Eat Healthier: Leave processed and sugary foods behind and make room for more fruits and vegetables in your meals. Eating healthy does not mean giving up your favorite foods — it is about finding ways to make them better for you. Try new recipes that are both nutritious and delicious. Websites like EatWell101 offer creative and tasty ideas to help you make healthier choices without feeling deprived.
Quit Smoking or Vaping: If you or someone you know smokes or vapes, resources are available to help you quit. Breaking these habits is not easy, but having a plan to manage triggers and withdrawal symptoms can make the process more manageable. If you face setbacks, do not give up – keep trying. Your health and the health of those around you are worth it. For free support, contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.nevadatobaccoquitline.com.
Get Moving: Physical activity is a great way to combat stress, reduce cravings, and improve your mood, especially when quitting smoking or vaping. While it is recommended to get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, this can be achieved in small, manageable ways:
• Take a walk during your lunch break.
• Try quick at-home workout videos.
• Use commercial breaks while watching TV to do sit-ups, push-ups, or squats.
• Sneak in a workout while cooking, using slow cookers or pressure cookers to free up time.
• By making exercise enjoyable and part of your daily routine, you will be more likely to stick with it.
A Healthier You in 2025
The new year is a chance to focus on your well-being. Whether it is quitting smoking, eating better, or moving more, small steps can lead to big changes. Take the first step today and commit to a healthier, happier you in 2025.
For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit gethealthycarsoncity.org/, or call 775-887-2190. You can visit the CCHHS office at 900 E. Long St. in Carson City or follow CCHS on Facebook at facebook.com/cchhs, or Instagram @GetHealthCarsonCity.