SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20, 2006 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- With the new year upon us, American Specialty Health (ASH) wellness subsidiary Healthyroads, Inc. is spreading the word that now is an excellent time to renew one's commitment to good health. With this in mind, Healthyroads is pleased to offer several tips that employees and health plan members across the country can use to set -- and stick to -- their health and wellness goals for the new year.
"Healthy living requires a year-round commitment to better nutrition, regular exercise, and effective stress management," noted ASH chairman, president, and chief executive officer George DeVries. "By following these healthy living guidelines, employees and health plan members can start the year off right, and can take charge of their health in 2007."
According to Healthyroads' team of registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, registered nurses, and other health coaches, individuals wanting to improve their health for the better in the coming year should keep the following suggestions in mind:
1. Don't try everything at once.
When making New Year's resolutions, it's easy to think of all the ways you've ever wanted to improve your health -- and then try to tackle all of these goals at once. Want to stop smoking, lose 10 pounds, or run a half-marathon in 2007? Each requires a big commitment, but it's even more difficult to do all of these at once! Start out slow, and focus on achieving one or two goals at a time. As you begin to accomplish your initial objectives, you may find that it's easier to add new goals along the way. By December, you may even discover that you have reached all of the health milestones that you set for yourself at the beginning of the year -- and you may have recorded some new achievements along the way!
2. Remind yourself of your resolutions.
Healthy resolutions are difficult to keep if they aren't part of your everyday life. To ensure that your health and wellness goals stay fresh in your mind, post a written reminder of your resolutions where you'll see it every day: on your desk at work, on your refrigerator door, or on your bathroom mirror. Consider creating a "Resolution Wall" at your home or with the help of your employer; family members or co-workers who are interested in participating can use this wall to post their resolutions and encourage one another to stay on track.
3. Create a plan.
To stay healthy all year, you need to live healthy all year. This means that you must take steps to take care of your body each and every day, whether through healthy eating, physical activity, or the use of effective stress management techniques -- or a combination of all three. Think about what works for you: Do you eat more healthfully when your friends and family are doing the same? Are you more likely to find time to work out in the morning or at night? What changes are you willing -- or not willing -- to make to your daily routine so that you can squeeze in a few moments of meditation or relaxation each day? Then, make a healthy living plan that works for you -- one that you can follow year-round.
4. Ask for help.
There's no reason for you to go it alone when working to improve your health. Consult a personal trainer for help in setting a workout schedule. Find a coworker, neighbor, or friend who shares your commitment, and "buddy up" so that you can reach your goals together. Check with your human resources department at work to learn what health coaching or workplace wellness programs are available through your employer or health plan. Tell your friends and family about your healthy resolutions, and don't be afraid to ask them for support as you tackle each goal. By asking others for help, you're sure to get the support you need.
5. Reward yourself.
Changing your health for the better is not always easy, but you can help ensure your long-term success by rewarding yourself along the way. If your resolution is to go from zero to four workouts a week, then treat yourself to something fun -- like a new pair of running shoes or an evening out with friends -- to celebrate when you've reached an intermediate goal of exercising twice a week for a full month. However you choose to recognize this positive change, you'll soon find that leading a healthier, more active life is its own reward!
About American Specialty Health Incorporated
ASH and its subsidiaries provide benefit, fitness, and wellness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide. Healthyroads, Inc. is ASH's wellness, health education, and e-commerce subsidiary, offering a wide range of wellness solutions -- including award-winning coaching programs, the Healthyroads health risk assessment, and member discounts on more than 2,400 health and wellness products -- to help employees and health plan members renew their commitment to good health.
Based in San Diego, ASH has over 500 employees and covers more than 12 million members in benefit programs and more than 500,000 members in wellness programs. For more information, visit ASH online at ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.
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