by Laura Fasano

Our nation is facing a major health crisis. A combination of too little physical activity and too many calories has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of obese and overweight Americans —alarmingly, including our children. These individuals face increased risks for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and even some cancers.

With the start of a new year, millions of Americans have once again made resolutions to get in shape and improve their overall health and wellness. Many of these “health seekers” want to be active and healthy, but continually start and stop regular exercise routines, unable to sustain their commitment to health and fitness. A full 50 percent of those who start an exercise program drop out within six months to a year, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The nation’s YMCAs are engaged in a ten-year collaborative campaign called YMCA Activate America, designed to identify and overturn community barriers to good health and to involve more health seekers in fitness as part of an ongoing healthy lifestyle. As a member of the nation’s oldest and largest community-based organization and one of the largest fitness program providers, the YMCA of Greater Rochester would like to congratulate our Rochester-area friends and neighbors who have made health and wellness their priority in 2006 and offer some encouragement and advice in developing a long-term, sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Fitness is more than a treadmill, stair climber, or ab-roller. Good health is a lifestyle. In order to stay encouraged and ultimately be successful:

• Develop relationships and get involved in programs that not only improve your physical health but also strengthen your mind and sense of spirit.

• Choose a facility that offers a sense of belonging and a comfortable, non-judgmental environment that caters to individual exercise capabilities.

• Look for staff and fellow members who will encourage opportunities to interact and meet new friends or become involved in community events.

• Find a facility located within 10-12 minutes of your home or office.

• If you travel, find a program with alternative locations in the places you frequent.

• And parents, programs that provide opportunities for the entire family to exercise together or offer childcare and afterschool or teen programs can be invaluable to you in achieving your goals.

At the YMCA, we believe that “health seekers” can find success in programs that provide expertise and support not only in designing an exercise routine, but also in making an overall lifestyle change through programs that build relationships and address such issues as improving time management, coping with stress, or developing healthier eating habits. The YMCA of Greater Rochester encourages our Rochester-area friends and neighbors to embrace their health and fitness goals in 2006. With an estimated 300,000 U.S. adults dying of causes related to obesity each year, it is critical now more than ever that “health seekers” achieve their goals and establish healthy lifestyles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Laura Fasano is the Director of Program Development for the YMCA of Greater Rochester.