New Year Healthy You Resolutions

As we start the New Year, many people make resolutions; often times it is to be healthier. What are some of the lifestyle changes that can lead to a more healthy life – and not fade away as the idea of making resolutions wears off? A balanced diet and participation in regular exercise are paramount in maintaining a healthy life for people of all ages. Routine exercise and healthy diet can have an even more noticeable impact on our general well being. Different people prefer different types of exercise. Whether you are looking for exhilarating work out such as Zumba or are trying to ease into a lifestyle change and are looking for exercise that would be beneficial but gentler – several options are available for your level. A few examples follow: Chair Exercise Class – chair exercise increases strength, flexibility, balance and endurance to those individuals with mobility limitations, arthritis and a decreased level of functioning. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 – 11:30. Meditation – Discover a new level of peace with yourself. Dress comfortably, bring a towel or mat to sit on and learn the basics of meditation. Thursdays for 4 weeks starting January 16th at 7:00pm. Qi Gong – Low impact exercise that can be practiced standing or sitting. Promotes relaxation, balance, and coordination with the use of gentle, fluid movements. Each class is 30 minutes. Wednesdays at 9:00am. Yoga – this relaxed, open class is offered ongoing for all levels. Come as often as you like and work at your own pace. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. Mondays from 10:00 -11:30AM. Zumba Fitness – feature exotic rhythms set to high energy Latin and international beats. Zumba is easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating. Mondays for 6 weeks beginning January 13th from 8:15 – 9:15am. Zumba Gold – modifies the moves and pace of Zumba to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Wear comfortable clothes and good sneakers. Fridays for 6 weeks beginning January 16th from 8:15 – 9:15am. All of the above take place at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport. Please call 433-1886 for additional information, costs, and to register. As always, be sure to check with your physician before starting any new exercise program. Many diseases in adulthood may be preventable or at least slowed down as a result of healthy lifestyle. Osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia and depression are some of the common conditions that can be positively modified through diet, exercise, and other simple lifestyle changes. A free diabetes prevention program is being offered on Thursdays, starting January 23rd at 10:00am. The workshop is being presented by Niagara County Department of Health, Nursing Department. This interactive and empowering program is for adults with pre-diabetes and diabetes. For more information or to register for this program, please call 297-1900. Workshop will take place at 33 Ontario Street, Lockport, NY. Also, Let’s talk about Cholesterol – is a free health seminar being offered on Thursday, February 13th at 10:00am at 33 Ontario Street, Lockport. Participants will learn about cholesterol and how it affects your body. Find out the difference between good and bad cholesterol, and discover how diet and exercise can help control cholesterol. Tips about eating healthier will also be provided. This free workshop is being presented by BlueCross Blue Shield of Western New York. The public is invited to attend and reservations can be made by calling 433-1886. A Parkinson’s Disease or a Movement Disorder Support Group meets the first Friday of every month at 12:30pm. This support group welcomes all. Please call Beth at 433-1886 for information or questions. Memory Minders is a social day program for people with mild memory impairment and welcomes new participants to the program on Mondays and/or Fridays from 10:00am – 2:00 pm. Participants enjoy activities and support designed to slow the further deterioration of mild memory loss. To schedule a pre-screening and for additional information, please call Angie at 433-1886. Some other important lifestyle modifications include: smoking cessation, going to your primary care doctor routinely, reviewing your list of medications with your doctor, visiting the dentist annually, following up with your eye doctor and engaging in regular and ongoing social activities. Here’s to a healthy you and happy New Year!