With the new year approaching, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering recommendations to help Americans make the most impactful, long-lasting improvements to their health in 2025 and beyond. “The best way to address the post-holiday doldrums is to do something good for your health,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “Even small, positive choices you make now can have a big impact on your long-term wellbeing.” The AMA’s recommendations for a healthier new year, include the following:

Reduce Sugar—drink more water and replace processed foods with nutritious, whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry. If you have children, try preparing healthy meals with them as one study demonstrated children who were more involved in home meal preparation also consumed healthier diets. Drinking sugary beverages, even 100% fruit juices, is associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.

Physically Active—exercise is essential for your physical and mental health. A recent study published in JAMA found that putting down the TV remote and going for a walk can improve healthy aging—highlighting the importance of small everyday changes we can make. Adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

Get screened—check with your physician to find out if you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, and make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

Manage stress—good mental health is part of good overall health. Get sufficient sleep (at least 7.5 hours per night), exercise and ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it.