For Immediate Release

Four Corners Health Department, serving Butler, Polk, Seward, and York Counties

Contact Vicki L. Duey, 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573

Date:  January 11, 2012

Title: Give Your Life a Boost with the Deal of the Year

Shopping deals are everywhere in January. We all like a good deal, right? Well, here is a deal that can add years to your life!  For an investment of just minutes a day, a person can feel good, look better, save money, and live longer.  Plus, with that investment, a person also decreases his or her chances of getting cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.  This is a deal that is just too good to miss!  Read on for more details on this deal and for how to give your life a boost.

B – Believe that you can do it. We can help ourselves to be more successful in new challenges when we practice positive statements, such as “I am going to be able to go for a walk today.” Also, ask a friend or family member to be your cheerleader.  It can be helpful when someone else is telling you that you can do it.

O – Team up with Others. Being active can be more fun when two or more do something together. Also, making a healthy meal or trying a healthier snack with friends can make the experience more enjoyable.

O – Organize your day to make time for healthy habits, such as physical activity and healthier meals. At the beginning of the day, take out the calendar and schedule time for those healthy habits. Especially, if you are trying to add something new to your day, it more likely will happen if you pre-plan it into the day.

S – Take Small Steps. Once you have your goal, think about how to break that goal down into smaller steps. For example, a person may want to lose 20 pounds.  Next step would be to take that goal and set smaller, reasonable goals to lose each week as that person works toward the goal. Work with your health care provider or registered dietician to help set reasonable goals.  Be sure to celebrate the small accomplishments along the way. Set small weekly goals and celebrate when you reach them.

T – Track your progress. The best way to know if you reach your goals is if you keep track.  There are many ways to record what you get done each day, week, or month. Visit this website from the American Heart Association: http://startwalkingnow.org.  This website, as well as many others like it, has tools for tracking your physical activity and the food you eat.

Contact Four Corners Health Department for more information on ways to boost your health habits.  To reach Four Corners Health Department, call 402-362-2621 or toll free at 877-337-3573 or visit the website at www.fourcorners.ne.gov.