New Year's Resolutions

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Have you made your New Year's resolutions or perhaps I should ask have you broken them already. 

I know it is day 1 -- but believe it or not many people break their resolutions on day 1! But don't be overly concerned. 

It is less about total victory and more about making effective changes when you make New Year's resolutions. In other words can you change your approach to exercise or your approach to happiness and sadness. Are you able to pinpoint something in your life that you can improve.

The symbolism of the past year being an old man and the new year as a baby is essentially reinforcing a fresh start. That is the message you should take from a health standpoint. A fresh start and approach to each day.

We all slip up -- no one is perfect but if you grasp the concept of a fresh start you will be more open to new recommendations based on new research and more likely to follow health guidelines designed for you.