As the busy holiday season comes to a close, most Californians take a timeout to draft their New Year’s resolutions. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Ron Chapman, urges Californians to put health at the top of their list.

“New Year’s resolutions can be overly ambitious, despite your best intentions,” said Chapman. “But I’m recommending six simple steps that will make for a healthier 2012, and just might save your life.”

1. Ditch the butts and save major bucks!

Quitting smoking is the best thing anyone can do to improve health and pocketbook. A $5 pack-a-day habit costs a smoker nearly $2,000 a year.

“As a family doctor, I have taken care of people who have suffered the horrible health effects of smoking which harms nearly every organ in the body. Not only that, but secondhand smoke is deadly to those around you, especially children who can develop asthma from being exposed to cigarette smoke,” said Dr. Chapman.

Get free help to quit by calling 1-800-NO BUTTS or visiting NoButts.org. This service is also available to people who would like a friend or loved one to quit smoking.

2. Know your numbers

This includes blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and healthy weight. Being overweight, having high blood pressure or cholesterol can cause heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

When these numbers are within a normal range, the risk lowers for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes, blindness, nerve damage and other health problems.

If overweight, by losing 5 percent to 7 percent of weight (10 pounds to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person), one can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by as much as 50 percent.

3. Eat like a champion

In addition to making half your plate fruits and vegetables, vow to incorporate more whole grains and to reduce sodium by eating fewer processed foods and drinking fewer sugary drinks like sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened teas and coffees.

If you have children, get involved with your children’s school wellness committee to create healthier school environments, support healthier foods and quality physical education for all young people.

4. Get physical!

Moderate physical activity, even in 10-minute increments three times a day, helps keep muscles, bones and joints healthy, improves heart health, helps reduce stress and makes one feel more positive.

Be active with children — physical activity is good for health and brain function!

5. Respect your health

Prevention really is the best medicine.

Getting vaccinated — for both adults and children — is the most effective way of stopping whooping cough, flu and other dangerous diseases. It’s not too late to get a flu vaccination, since flu activity can continue as late as May.

• It is crucial that everyone 50 and older be screened for colon cancer — this is a form of cancer that can be prevented if it’s caught before it becomes cancerous.

• Women, get screened for cervical cancer starting at age 21. Starting at age 50 be sure to get screened for breast cancer — younger if you have a family history of breast cancer.

• Protect your skin from skin cancer at all times of the year by reducing sun exposure and using sunscreen.”

6. Be prepared, California

“We live in a large, populated state that has a very diverse climate and geography, which is why it is critical to make sure that you and your family are prepared for a disaster before it strikes,” Dr. Chapman said.

Ensure the safety of a family by developing supply kits and disaster plans, knowing how to communicate with each other during a crisis and talking with children about crisis events.

“By doing these simple steps, you will be helping yourself physically, mentally and financially. For example, diabetes costs in California exceed $24 billion each year. The direct health care costs associated with smoking in our state is estimated to be $9.6 billion or $365 per Californian,” Dr. Chapman said.

“My personal resolution is to incorporate the CDC’s Physical Activity for Everyone’s guidelines into my routine,” added Dr. Chapman.

“This includes 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work on all major muscle groups — legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms.”