Grundy County Memorial Hospital | Live Well | Winter 2019

Sources: American College of Sports Medicine; American Council on Exercise; American Psychological Association 5 ways to make New Year’s resolutions stick End the cycle of making and breaking them It’s January and you’re jazzed to get in shape, eat better or stop smoking—but by February your resolution is kaput. Does that sum up your history with New Year’s resolutions? Brandy Tripp, RN, BSN, Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator, helps people find success with life changes after they’ve experienced a heart event and has some advice to help make resolutions stick. “Starting something new like an exercise routine or stopping a habit that has brought you comfort—such as smoking—can be stressful and overwhelming changes. We encourage people to understand there is not one easy fix, but small steps we can take together,” says Tripp. She and her colleagues in the rehabilitation program encourage individuals to build resiliency for life’s ups and downs, rather than trying to accomplish a stress-free life. Seek support to improve your health ●   ● GCMH Healthy Living program is open to anyone who has a risk factor for heart or lung disease. Specially trained nurses help you set lifestyle goals and provide accountability. Call 319-824-5097 for information. ●   ● SilverSneakers: If you’re eligible for Medicare, chances are your supplement plan has a benefit for a YMCA or fitness facility membership. Check with your insurance agent. ●   ● Healthy Lifestyle Challenge: The hospital’s 12-week program kicks off Jan. 28 and is a “health makeover.” See page 4 for details. “The ability to understand how you can handle what life brings leads to increased hope and happiness,” Tripp says. 1 Be specific. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely). Instead of saying, “I’m finally going to get fit,” commit to a clearly defined goal. Do you want to play out- doors with your grandchildren, walk without getting winded or participate in RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa)? 2 Take baby steps. Set weekly or monthly goals. Go to the gym 2 or 3 times each week. Get up out of your chair and walk for 2 to 10 minutes each hour. Strive for a healthy routine most days of the week—and before you know it, you’re exercising 90 minutes a week. 3 Line up support. Pair up with a resolution buddy—somebody with the same or similar goals. Change is easier if you don’t attempt it solo. 4 Reward yourself. Did you make it through your first week without smoking or lose your first few pounds? Awesome! Celebrate with a small outing or something to pamper yourself. 5 “Perfect” is not realistic. OK, so you overate at a so- cial event over the weekend. Strive for an overall healthy lifestyle as a routine, and enjoy the occa- sional treat. The key to successful behavior change is resiliency. Tripp’s words of wisdom: Unless you have stopped trying, you have not failed. Brandy Tripp, RN, BSN, is the hospital’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator. 3

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