The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

December 31, 2012

YMCA offers New Year’s resolution ideas

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter

BECKLEY — With a new year comes the chance for new beginnings, and the YMCA of Southern West Virginia is offering a few New Year’s resolutions to add to your list.

“Building and maintaining family connectedness is one of the most important resolutions,” according to the Y.

Health and Wellness Director Reginia Thomas says the Y is committed to strengthening individuals and families to build stronger communities.

“When making New Year’s resolutions, we encourage people to begin with small changes that are easy to sustain and that lead to big events over time. Also, set goals as a family to learn and thrive together,” she shared.

Families can do many simple things at home to improve their family’s health and well-being. The Y recommends the following five resolutions for the new year:

1. Eat together. Sitting down together for a meal is a great way for parents and children to share stories, or talk about the school day or their favorite part of the day. Set aside time for the family to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at least once a week, or every day if scheduling permits.

2. Volunteer together. Giving back and supporting neighbors benefits everyone involved. It teaches children and teens the value of helping others and is also a way to meet new people or discover a new interest. Find an opportunity in your community that the entire family may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park or distributing at a local food bank.

3. Unplug from technology. Limit screen time (television, video games, computers, etc.) and instead set aside an hour or two for activities that allow interaction and camaraderie. If the weather permits, go for a walk, bike ride, trip to the park or have a game night at home. If you do want to watch television, maybe have a movie night with the family.

4. Be physically active. It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.

5. Put extras to good use. Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs. You can also get the entire family involved and demonstrate to the children the value of giving.

For more information about additional activities ot volunteer opportunities, or to learn more about the YMCA, call 304-252-0715 or visit www.ymcaswv. com.

— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

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