YMCA Offers Resolution Aid

By Staff Report

XENIA — Every January, as the calendar turns to the New Year, people around the area vow to stop smoking, lose weight and get in shape. But, the optimism of January often fades in the months that follow.

"We see an increase in the number of people joining our Y, usually by about 25 percent in January, but by March, it is business as usual," says David Thompson, CEO of the YMCA of Greene County.

"Making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle is more important now than ever, and making this commitment together as a family or with a supportive group greatly improves success."

Studies confirm again and again the vital role that interaction and connectedness play in the long-term health and well-being of individual family members. The YMCA of Greene County, helping adults and families achieve their personal health and well-being goals for more than 52 years, offers advice to those interested in keeping New Year’s resolutions fresh throughout the year.

- Prepare resolutions together as a family. Take the time and make the time to sit with your kids to set some fun goals for the New Year. Reflect on last year and talk about dreams for the future.

- Make "well-rounded" resolutions. Make a commitment to balancing spirit, mind and body. Consider areas outside of fitness, such as improved nutrition, increased community service and additional time spent together as a family.

- Make resolutions specific, realistic and measurable. Choose resolutions that consider the entire family including goals that are measurable and guide the family toward healthier living.

- Celebrate with positive, healthy rewards. Honor small successes with positive, fun and healthy rewards that meet the needs of the entire family. Check in with each other regularly and celebrate achievements, big and small.

- Be realistic — prepare for setbacks. A bout with the flu might get the family off track for a week. Setbacks are not failures — they are times to call in the troops for reinforcement.

- Work together as a team to overcome barriers. If a family member is having trouble meeting a goal, brainstorm together to develop a new strategy.

For more information about YMCA programs in Beavercreek, Fairborn and Xenia, contact the YMCA of Greene County, 135 E. Church St., Xenia, by calling (937) 376-9622, or by e-mail at www. ymcaofgreenecounty.org.

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