The start of a New Year often inspires many of us to turn over a new leaf. In fact, research shows more than 40 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions such as losing weight, eating better, or exercising more—but only 8 percent are successful in keeping them.

If you want to make positive and lasting lifestyle changes that will help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions, the first step you should take is to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician (PCP). According to St. Clair Health physician Jessica Goddard Lucot, DO, your PCP can be your number one advocate in ensuring your best and healthiest self.

“It can be very overwhelming to determine what to eat, what type of exercise is best, or what supplements to take,” explains Dr. Goddard Lucot, who practices with St. Clair Medical Group Family Medicine. “And what works for one person might not work for another, which is why it is so important to work with your PCP on your individual health needs.”

Sharing any health-related New Year’s resolutions with your PCP can be extremely beneficial. They are qualified in a wide range of care and can refer you to appropriate specialists as part of a safe and comprehensive plan to help you reach your goals. Health is not an all-or-nothing approach, so Dr. Goddard Lucot encourages you to work together with your PCP to make small changes that may have a big impact on your health over time.

“Setting a new health goal can be daunting, but seeing a PCP regularly can help you stick to and accomplish your health goals,” says Dr. Goddard Lucot. “I encourage you to find a PCP you can connect with to help you become your healthiest self.”

Dr. Goddard Lucot earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She is board-certified in Family Medicine and focuses on lifestyle medicine.

To request an appointment with Dr. Goddard Lucot, please call 412.942.8570 or visit physicians.stclair.org