Resolutions that last

By ANNA LE, MD, FACOG and PAYAM KASHI, MD, PHD

January is a natural time to reevaluate habits, reconnect with your body, and set intentions for a healthier year ahead. It also marks Cervical Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on preventive care and screenings that support long-term wellness.

For women, health priorities shift by decade. In your 20s and 30s, routine Pap tests and HPV screenings are essential, even if you feel completely well. These tests catch early cellular changes long before symptoms appear and remain one of the most effective tools for preventing cervical cancer. Women in their 40s and 50s benefit from continued screening, as well as conversations with their providers about perimenopause, bone health, and evolving metabolic needs. By your 60s and beyond, screening timelines may change—what stays constant is the importance of staying connected to a clinician who knows your history.

Beyond screenings, small daily habits can play an outsized role in how you feel throughout the year. Habit stacking—pairing a new behavior with one you already do—can make changes easier to maintain. Taking a morning vitamin with your coffee, stretching while brushing your teeth, or doing a five-minute check-in before bed can build consistency without overwhelming your routine.

January is also a meaningful time to revisit mental health. Stress, sleep quality, and libido are interconnected; supporting one often improves the others. A reset doesn’t need to be dramatic – sometimes it’s as simple as setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, or scheduling overdue appointments.

A long-term wellness plan grows with you. This month, consider it an invitation to start fresh, stay curious, and approach your health with intention.