January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, and according to the American Thyroid Association, more than 20 million Americans have a form of thyroid disease. As we continue to explore goals for health and wellness in the new year, this post will highlight the importance of thyroid health and management, as well as debunk common myths about thyroid-related diseases.

January marks the start of a new year, a time often synonymous with prioritizing health and wellness. For women, this means scheduling an annual visit and routine screening at the gynecologist to support reproductive health.

January is also Cervical Health Awareness Month. Every year, more than 12,000 Americans are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer was once considered the leading cause of death among women in the United States, but today is considered highly preventable and treatable due to vaccination and early detection from routine testing.

Many people mark the first day of January as a new beginning and a chance to reset bad habits. After a busy holiday season, Christopher Swales, MD, a family medicine physician with Dignity Health Woodland Clinic, shares how to jumpstart your health and wellness, and build better self-care habits in the new year.

Open Enrollment is a time to make changes to your health insurance coverage. There are many resources to help guide you through the Open Enrollment time period, and remember — the decisions you make now will be in place for one full year (unless you experience a qualifying life event).