The holiday season is now behind us. All those holiday parties with ample food, desserts, and drink are over for another year. And it’s a great time to focus on your New Year’s resolutions, such as losing pounds.

Why is your weight important? Because being overweight puts a strain on your heart and can lead to serious health problems, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Varicose veins

Managing your weight is fundamental to living a healthy life. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says over 300,000 lives could be saved each year if all Americans maintained a healthy weight.

The first step is finding out if you are at risk. One measurement is your Body Mass Index (BMI), which identifies you as underweight, healthy, or overweight. You can calculate your BMI either online at the National Heart Lung Blood Institute or manually by referring to the Healthy Weight flyer.

A second measurement is your waist circumference, which can help identify whether you are at a higher risk for developing diabetes or heart disease. You can determine your waist circumference manually by referring to the Concentra Healthy Weight flyer.

If either your BMI or waist circumference are too high, you can decrease them by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Be sure to contact your health care provider with any questions or for more information.