Make 2014 your Healthiest Year Yet

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

December 30, 2013

With the healthcare issue bouncing a midst the partisan divide, the bottom line appears to be that it is no longer practical to be passive about your health. It is up to us to be on guard for commercial messages related to food, health, and life choices. They can be overwhelming and vary from extremes of inviting indulgence to fantasy weight loss theories.

I sense that the healthcare industry is moving towards rewarding us for healthy choices while holding individuals responsible for poor decisions. The transition in the healthcare industry seems confusing and yet there are a few interesting thoughts to consider.

First, our choices often determine outcomes. Proverbially, if we do the same thing and expect different results, our expectations will likely be disappointing. This year, make a decision to find solutions to the fitness challenges that you face and gather the proper research from professionals, Doctors, Health Professionals, Fitness Trainers, and others related to your health goals. We live in the greatest time in history to research solutions for our fitness goals.

Second, with your research in hand, set goals. Goal acronyms can help, such as S.M.A.R.T. - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Framed. It is important to do your research and use the research to set SMART goals. Goals are more about the journey than the end result. Having the goal in sight is important and exciting to achieve.  However, the day-to-day small victories are especially motivating in advancing your efforts.

 

There are many options for basic fitness measurements such as calorie counting apps. Some of these apps also allow for calorie burn inputs for exercise. Also, consider the latest tracking wristbands w/ apps to keep you on track. Fitbit, Up, and Fuelband are three of many emerging products commercially available. Exercise can be more fun when you know that you are getting extra credit for calories by easily tracking your exercise.

Finally, if your research allows, consider adding an element of competition to the fitness fun. There are many options here. One of the best local opportunities to compete with “yourself” is the Drop It program offered by the Culpeper Regional Health System. The program will kick off in January and offers an abundance of guidance in helping choose healthy lifestyles. Also, consider signing up for a fitness class to join others in fitness fun and accountability.

If competition is motivating for you, then think about signing up for a race. With your research in mind, choose a race like a 5 K to begin with or something else that is consistent with your researched goals. Careful here, signing up for a 5 K can be a gateway, once achieved, it can lead you to ask the question - what next…. possibly a 10 K, a Triathlon, a Cycling Century, a Marathon, or an Ironman… Today is a great day to sign up for the best race deals since many race prices go up after January 1st. Check out options at www.Active.com, www.setupevents.com, or drop by the Bike Stop in downtown Culpeper to find out about the local trails and outdoor cycling events. Make 2014 your healthiest year yet. Carpe Diem.