How to stick with those New Year's resolutions

DMH finds fun and commitment are the secrets to success

Now that 2009 has begun, nearly 100 million Americans will venture down a well-traveled path paved with bold, and sometimes hastily conceived, New Year's resolutions.

It is a route paved with promises to exercise more, lose weight, stop smoking, cut down on alcohol, eat a healthier diet and make new friends. Spirit of Women® hospitals are committed to helping women stick to their resolutions in 2009 and beyond.

As the exclusive member of Spirit of Women in Decatur, Decatur Memorial Hospital will focus on health-related resolutions throughout the year, because these types of pledges are the most common.

“The keys to making a successful resolution are to commit to realistic goals and to find fun ways to incorporate them into your everyday life,” says Jenny Brandenburg, director of Women & Children Services. “Resolutions are a process, not a one-time effort that offers you a chance to create new habits. As your partner for health and wellness, Decatur Memorial Hospital is committed to helping you set and stick to your resolutions,” she adds.

To be successful with your own resolutions, DMH suggests that you:

Talk with your healthcare provider to set realistic goals
Identify a plan that fits your lifestyle
Find fun ways to remind yourself to stick to your plan
Celebrate a new and healthier you with rewards that you enjoy

As final words of encouragement to resolution makers, Brandenburg has these suggestions: “Celebrate your success when you achieve a resolution, and don’t blame yourself if you slip. Instead, move on to how you can do better the next time. Remember that you can make behavior changes throughout the year, not only at New Year's.”

For more information and to receive a Stick to Your Resolutions action kit, call 217-876-3448.

Stick to Your Resolutions is powered by Spirit of Women and presented locally by Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Spirit of Women is a special program just for women. It is designed to be a valuable resource that can help you live your life to its healthiest and fullest. By registering to become a member of Decatur Memorial Hospital’s Spirit of Women Membership program you are doing more than just joining a club. You are becoming a part of a support system for women of all ages: helping to nurture your well-being and enrich your lifestyle. Your membership will entitle you to free lectures on cutting edge health topics, members’ only events and activities, healthy lifestyle classes, Spirit of Women news bulletins, screenings, and free assistance with health information and referral to area doctors.

For more information how to join Spirit of Women at Decatur Memorial Hospital, call 217-876-3448.

Spirit of Women is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women's lives with innovative health and community programs. Spirit of Women hospitals touch the lives of millions of women each year through the presentation of educational events, consumer membership programs, annual conferences, marketing communications and grassroots efforts to improve the health and well-being of women everywhere. Spirit of Women enables participating hospitals to focus on community needs while providing the strength of national support. Visit www.spiritofwomen.com

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