1. Start a goal setting program. Too few arthritis sufferers set goals correctly. Resolutions are easier to keep if they are framed as goals. Goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound). A goal without a deadline is just a dream. You must write your goals down. Consider using affirmations (repeating the goals to yourself out loud). Goals should be written down in the present tense, e.g., "It is March 1, 2006 and I have lost 10 pounds and look great and can fit into that size 6 dress again..." Use vivid mental pictures to see yourself attaining your goals. Do this every day. As you attain your goals, refine and reset them.

2. The period between Thanksgiving and New Years tends to become one long blur of food. So a resolution to go on a sensible diet is a must, particularly if you have arthritis in the low back, hips, and knees. Don't try to do too much at once. Also consider getting tested for food allergies if you have problems with unexplained fatigue, muscle aches, and arthritis pain that doesn't seem to respond to the usual measures. A good assay is available through Immunolabs.

3. Exercise is the other side of the weight loss equation since diet alone will not get it off and keep it off. The reason health clubs are packed in January is because people have made a resolution to get the weight off. Unfortunately, by April, the health clubs are back to their baseline volume of people because the resolutions have been broken. Why? Most of the time it's because people have tried to do too much and got discouraged. Or they give up because they don't see the miraculous results they were hoping for. Start slow with realistic expectations. This will help you get to where you want to be and will also help you avoid injury. People with arthritis should try to incorporate non-impact aerobic (swimming, stationary bike, elliptical trainer), stretching, and strengthening types of exercise. Make sure you get expert advice and also make sure you get your heart checked out before starting an exercise program.

4. Give thanks. Find a few minutes every day to be thankful for what you have. Even when you have arthritis, there are so many activities you can participate in.

5. Work on your relationships. Think before you speak. Whom do you love and who loves you? Are you hard on others... hard on yourself? If you treated other people like you treat yourself would they tolerate it? What would you say about yourself if you wrote your own obituary? What would you want to be known for? You certainly don't want to be remembered as "Tom, the arthritis sufferer..."

6. If you haven't got a diagnosis yet and have nagging aches and pains, for goodness sake see a competent arthritis specialist! Consider going on a comprehensive nutritional supplement like Complete Wellness Vitamins, a pure glucosamine/chondroitin supplement like Joint Food, and a dietary Omega-3 fish oil supplement like Sea Gold. Talk about your treatment with your doctor. Wonderful arthritis medicines exist and can make the difference between being miserable and being in control of your life. For mild pain, a topical agent like Myorx can offer tremendous relief.

7. Pay attention to your general health. Work on stress reduction by finding a good hobby. Use a planner of some type to manage your time better. This will free up your mind up for more important things. Try yoga or tai chi. If you haven't done it yet, get the following looked at: blood pressure, cholesterol, heart, colon, and for women make sure your mammograms and pelvic exams are current.

Resolve to make a difference. These pieces of advice hopefully will help you jump start your new year and make it the best ever.