NEW year's resolutions are often a fad. They are something we get excited about implementing in our lives and then give up within a few weeks. Practising good health should not only be a new year's resolution but instead a practice we choose to maintain all year round and for the years to follow. It should be a lifestyle.

Here are a few ways you can maintain good health as the new year begins and onwards.

• Eating a nutritious diet

Having the right balance of nutrients in your diet throughout the day will include a mix of all the food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, fibre and water. A nutritious diet will vary based on your individual characteristics such as age, gender, lifestyle and if you have any pre-existing illnesses. If you need guidance on how to build a diet tailor-made for you, specialists are available on MDLink to support you virtually. Making the right choices with your diet will improve your quality of life allowing you to have more energy, be more focused and maintain a healthy weight.

• Getting enough sleep

It is recommended for adults to get between seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Those who sleep less than this may have increased health issues as their bodies do not get the chance to rest and renew themselves. Sleep deprivation can be influenced by a number of things but it is not uncommon for it to be caused by mental health issues. There are psychiatrists available on MDLink's telemedicine platform that can work with you to discover the root of your sleeping issues. Do not wait until your body is burnt out to rein in any unhealthy sleep patterns.

• Exercising for 30 minutes a day

As much as our intake and rest are important, moving your body is equally crucial. With just 30 minutes every day you can increase your heart health, strengthen your bones, reduce excess body fat and increase muscle strength and endurance. Additionally, frequent exercise can reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

• Staying on top of your health

As you go through the new year make sure you pay attention to your health. Is your body going through changes you aren't sure about? Are you at a certain age or gender where there are specific yearly checks you should be doing (for example, pap smears, prostate checks, mammograms)? Do not let the hustle and bustle of everyday life cause you to put your health to the wayside. There are several easy, convenient means of catering to your health needs including the option of telemedicine.

Platforms such as MDLink offer you 24/7 access to GPs and specialist doctors that can assess your condition, diagnose an illness, create a treatment plan, give you a prescription or recommend you for further lab testing all through virtual access. As long as you have Internet access you can reach a doctor by audio call, video chat, or text at any time convenient to you.

Taking care of yourself throughout the year shouldn't be a chore or task on your new year check-list. Maintaining healthy practices all year round should be a lifelong priority that will not only improve your quality of life but quite possibly add years to it. You can have a prosperous, healthy new year knowing that MDLink is a key resource to support you as you support yourself, all year round.

Dr Ché Bowen, a digital health entrepreneur and family physician, is the CEO & founder of MDLink, a digital health company that provides telemedicine options. Check out the company's website at www.theMDLink.com. You can also contact him at drchebowen@themdlink.com.