A healthy new year starts now
Perhaps the most common resolution every January is a vow to improve one’s health.
Whether it is better utilizing that oft-forgotten gym membership, dropping junk food or simply purchasing more locally grown produce, this is a resolution that is almost universally disregarded before Valentine’s Day.
But there are easy ways to keep some of those 2017 promises, and many are free and easy.
For example, the Nashua Community Health Department on Mulberry Street offers clinics for various services – blood pressure, immunization and STD/HIV/HCV testing – without an appointment.
In fact, there is a free blood pressure clinic from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Most Tuesdays, the clinic has a free blood pressure service, as well as from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays, according to the city website.
An immunization clinic is also offered Tuesdays and Fridays (4-7 p.m. and 8:30-10:30 a.m. respectively) for a $10 fee. No resident, however, will be denied immunization treatment because he or she cannot pay.
In addition to immunizations for young children, there are flu and shingles vaccines, the latter for adults 60 and older who are without insurance that covers the vaccine.
Medical experts say immunization will decrease the risk of complications from certain diseases, while checking blood pressure could, once treated, help lower the possibility of a heart attack, stroke or damage to organs such as kidneys.
These are simple resolutions that could help improve overall health – no gym membership or diet soy-based snack required.
