I live on Strivers Row in Manhattan. (You can read about the history of Strivers Row by following this link).

I like the name of this neighborhood and what it stand for- striving. I want to invite you to strive and make a New Year's resolution.

Striving is what a New Year's resolutions are about aspiring to be better, trying to better one's self.

A common resolution made during the New Year is to quit smoking, which is an excellent idea. Nothing else improves someone's health as much as quitting smoking. Quitting smoking is number#1 hands down. It even beats losing weight.

It doesn't matter if you made the same resolution in the past. Make a new one. Develop a plan this time that will help you succeed where you failed before.

Don't be afraid.

You cannot be afraid of trying because you might fail. You gotta keep striving...

You cannot grow if you don't keep trying to better yourself. Because if you don't grow as a person, as a human-being you shrivel away.

Raise your champagne glass with me...Here is to a better and healthier 2009.

Antonio Howell, MD