January 1, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.
New Year, New You:
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages a New, Healthier You in 2026
WARRENTON, Va. – Ring in the New Year and focus on becoming healthier. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District wants to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions by offering simple, sustainable habits for a year of health and wellness.
“The new year is a time for renewal and balance,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “By taking steps to care for both physical and mental health, residents can set the foundation for a healthier and more resilient 2026.”
Here are some tips to help you be healthier in 2026:
- Get Active: Try to move more and sit less. Take the stairs when you can. Find fun ways to be active, like walking or doing yoga. Aim for about 150 minutes of exercise each week.
- Eat Well: Eat more foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Drink lots of water. Eliminate sugar and junk food/limit alcoholic drinks.
- Manage Stress: Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Try mindfulness or meditation. Spend time with friends and family, manage your stress, and maybe write in a journal.
- Schedule Screenings: Visit your doctor and dentist for regular checkups and screenings. Drink enough water and wash your hands often to stay healthy.
- Quit Smoking: Now is a good time to quit bad habits. Smoking and vaping can hurt your body, so it’s best to stop. Quit Now Virginia is a free service that helps people quit smoking, using tobacco, or vaping.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District offers a variety of programs to help residents achieve their health goals, including: Immunization, Family planning STI, WIC, Naloxone distribution, safe sleep education, Quit Now Virginia program (tobacco/nicotine cessation).
Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District wants you to keep working on your goals to build healthy habits this year. If things don’t always go as planned, be kind to yourself and keep trying. Do things that make you happy and take care of yourself.
Let’s make becoming healthier a priority in 2026! If you have questions, reach out to the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.
Let’s make health a shared goal!
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