AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Watching the ball drop, eating a spoon of black-eyed peas and of course, New Year's resolutions: All traditions that many Americans practice as each new year begins.

Whether that New Year's resolution is to lose weight, quit smoking or whatever it may be, do you really keep it?

Millions of Americans often make resolutions they hope to fulfill throughout the year. Many of those include being healthier.

James "Whit" Walker, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine said quitting smoking is a good resolution to have.

"Quit smoking," Walker said. "Smoking is not good for you."

Dr. Walker estimated 1,000 deaths can be blamed on cigarettes each day. Along with the health consequences, cigarettes can make your breath smell bad and devalue your vehicle.

Another popular resolution is losing weight. Dr. Walker said many Americans eat more than needed which over time can lead to weight gain. While it's not necessary to lose weight quickly, Dr. Walker said it's better to lose one pound a week.

"What that correlates to is eating a few less calories and burning off a few more calories by exercising more," Dr. Walker said.

Exercise! It's a great routine to get yourself into for the year and Dr. Walker emphasized it's important to find something you enjoy.

"If I tell somebody to swim and they hate the water, that doesn't make any sense," he said. "Find something that you like to do and do it consistently."

He said people should try to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. Simply things like taking the stairs and parking further from the door are good ways to add exercise into daily lives.

It can be difficult holding that resolution all year, but Dr. Walker said it's all about breaking old habits and creating new ones.

While new habits can't be created overnight, many times it can take months. Healthier habits are often just as hard to break as bad habits, he added.

"You've only got one body," Walker said. "Everyone is born with 10 fingers, two knees, one brain and one heart. Take care of what you've got…there are no refunds."

For more health tips and information, visit Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Amarillo's Facebook page.