Keeping your New Year resolution all year long

Setting the right goals is an important first step  

Ware, MA (January 26, 2012) -  A New Year, a new you.  Many begin a new year by making resolutions to improve their health.  The fact is four out of five people who made New Year’s resolutions will eventually break them; a third won’t even make it to the end of January. Often even with the best of intentions, many goals get put aside as the month passes.

“While weight loss, health screenings, and stress reduction are among some of the best ways to achieve and maintain better health in the new year, creating a plan that is doable is the key to success,” said Dr. Mario Lysse of Quabbin Adult Medicine.   “Weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, and one that can have a great impact on your health.  Unfortunately, it’s also among the most commonly unmet resolutions because most people try to lose weight by focusing on just that one goal: weight loss. To make changes that will lead to long-term success, focus on long term dietary and physical activity changes,” said Dr. Lysse. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of adults in the United States and 17 percent of children and adolescents are overweight or obese.  And almost 80 percent of the nearly two million people diagnosed with diabetes every year are obese. 

“You can lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes by losing weight and increasing your physical activity” said Dr. Lysse.  “For those that have type 2 diabetes, making these changes can help you control your blood sugar levels and prevent or delay the complications of diabetes, and is some cases even the need for medication.  Weight loss can also help to lower elevated blood pressure, and can also lower elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, and raise the level of your “good” HDL-cholesterol,” notes Dr. Lysse. 

 “By taking small steps you will be more likely to succeed.  Loosing 20 pounds may feel overwhelming, but dropping two pounds a month doesn't seem too bad. If you keep at it for 10 months, you will reach your goal,” said Dr. Lysse.  “Beware of fad diets that are common stumbling blocks to long-term weight loss. Often these diets promise to help you lose a lot of weight quickly, or tell you to cut certain foods out of your diet, a quick fix are not the answer to success in weight loss.” 

“Remember your current lifestyle habits, the ones you are trying to change may have taken a few years to develop,” said Dr. Lysse.   “Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as diet changes or a new exercise routine to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality.  If your resolution has totally run out of steam by February, don’t give up, just start over again.    Any time of the year is a good time to make a New Year resolution,” said Dr. Lysse.    

“Getting advice from your primary care provider and support from friends and family is a great way to get a health resolutions started and keep it going all year long,” said Dr. Lysse.  “Your health plans should start with your primary care provider.  A physical exam or other diagnostic tests may be in order before you make a major lifestyle change. Whether you want to lose weight, quit smoking, or reduce stress, your healthcare provider can suggest additional resources such as support groups, reading material, or if appropriate, medications or aids that can help.”

Over time, your health care needs may change or you may face a new health challenge, the relationship you have with your healthcare provider, who knows you and your medical history can lead to a better overall outcome that will protect your health.  

The providers at Baystate Medical Practices – Quabbin Adult Medicine include

Dr. Muhammed Gul, Dr.  Mario Lysse, Dr. Ronald Beauzile, Dr Anuja Garg, and Nurse Practitioners, Suzanne Dabakis Choquette, FNP and Rosario Nelson, FNP.  The practice is presently accepting new patients at both their Ware and Belchertown locations; to make an appointment at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware call

413-967-2343 or at 95 Sargent Street in Belchertown call 413-323-7212. 

 Contact:  

 Michelle Holmgren, Public Affairs & Community Relations Specialist

 (Office)  413-967-2296  (Cell) 413-237-6743

 michelle.holmgren@baystatehealth.org