Amerigroup Offers Realistic Health Resolutions for the New Year.

Business Editors/Health and Medical Writers

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2000

Most people discard resolutions as quickly as used New Year's party favors.

The reason may not simply be lack of willpower. It may be the goals themselves.

AMERIGROUP realizes that to be effective, resolutions must be realistic and customized to fit the individual. It is best to try resolutions that are easier to keep. We hope that these suggestions spark your enthusiasm to improve your health and well-being.

Nutrition

It's not enough to resolve to eat healthy foods. Instead, make your goals measurable.

--Buy a low-fat cookbook and prepare five of the recipes next month.

--Follow the Food Guide Pyramid for one week.

--Substitute non-alcoholic alternatives for alcohol at get-togethers.

--Decrease caffeine intake by only drinking water while at work.

--Make low-fat products--skim milk and non-fat yogurt--part of your diet.

--Read food nutrition labels--don't buy products that derive more than 30 percent of their calories from fat.

--Do not replace junk food when it's gone from the cupboard for one month.

--Eat one meal a month at a health food restaurant.

--Eat something for breakfast everyday no matter how small a portion.

Fitness and Leisure

The post-holiday rush to get fit may be on, but setting unrealistic goals can be the first step toward giving up. Choose achievable goals that are more likely to keep you going and on your way to improved fitness.

--Monitor blood pressure weekly.

--Do 50 sit-ups for every two hours spent watching television.

--Be active for at least 10 minutes a day.

--Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

--Get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

--Take a yoga class.

--Rent a movie just for yourself once a month.

--Schedule yearly preventive care examinations (mammogram, prostate cancer screening, Pap smear, well-patient checkup) on time.

Emotional Well-being

When was the last time people's resolutions were designed to help them feel better about themselves? Resolutions too often involve shame or denial of pleasure for past actions. This year, people should think of their goals as a gift to themselves.

--Find at least 15 minutes every day to relax and meditate.

--Buy a stress-release.

--Write in a journal three times a week.

--Call a truce to a long-standing grudge.

--Do not raise your voice in anger for one week.

--Keep the TV off for at least one whole day a week.

--Perform an act of kindness to a stranger every week.

--Say nothing negative about others for one day.

--Write a letter to someone you care about once a month.

--Give someone a hug every day.

These are just a few suggestions to try and help people kick off 2001 with healthy goals they can achieve. AMERIGROUP encourages everyone to set realistic goals that will be fulfilling throughout the upcoming year.