BRATTLEBORO — Many New Year's resolutions involve living a healthier lifestyle - to eat a little better, to be a bit more active, to spend more time on the hobbies that nurture our sense of well-being, to devote more time to family activities, to find “balance.”
Yet, many people struggle to accomplish these goals or, at least, to sustain them over time.
Meeting Waters YMCA can help. The regional Y is offering a free 10-week course called Journey to a Healthier Lifestyle. The program, which was created by Meeting Waters YMCA's Susan Fortier in 2008, will meet from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday nights beginning on Jan. 25. “Journey” will take place at Marlboro College Graduate Center in downtown Brattleboro.
Journey to a Healthier Lifestyle is a facilitated education and support group designed for “health seekers” - those that desire a healthier lifestyle but need guidance and support to achieve and sustain that goal. Support for health behavior changes will come not only from the Y staff but other participants, as well.
Unlike most health programs, Journey focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It does not offer prescriptive recommendations but, rather, helps each individual assess and plan for ways that they can sustain a healthier lifestyle. Topics to be explored include readiness for change, goal-setting, identifying barriers and supports, celebrating success, and dealing with setbacks. Participants will establish weekly goals for improvements in “spirit, mind and body,” the three sides of the YMCA's Red Triangle.
Journey to a Healthier Lifestyle will be facilitated by Meeting Waters YMCA Co-Directors Susan Fortier and Steve Fortier. Both are YMCA of the USA-certified Healthy Lifestyle facilitators. Susan holds a degree in Sports Medicine with a concentration in Physical Therapy while Steve's undergraduate degree is in Fitness and Health Management.
This program is part of Meeting Waters YMCA's Activate Windham County community health initiative that is creating changes in lifestyle health at individual, family, organizational and community levels.
More information and a registration form for Journey to a Healthier Lifestyle and other Meeting Waters YMCA services is available at their website at www.meetingwatersymca.org or by calling 802-246-1036 or 802-463-4769. The registration deadline for Journey is Jan. 18. The program is offered free of charge.