New Year's Resolutions for the New You!

If you are like many people this New Year, you may be thinking up some ways to improve yourself by creating goals or resolutions. Many people find a new year as a time to reevaluate past behavior and make positive changes for the future. For some, this involves improving physical health through a change in diet or activity level. If you are making a New Year’s Resolution to improve your physical health, here are a few tips to help you succeed throughout the year:

• Remember to think of the word ‘diet’ as a noun instead of a verb, meaning your diet is created over a lifetime instead of simply being a short-term endeavor in order to lose weight.
• Start with small changes – switch to diet soda instead of regular, cut out caffeine, incorporate more vegetables into your diet, eat smaller portions, or go on a 30 minute walk a couple of times per week
• Leave the guilt out of it! If you find yourself slowly slipping back into old habits, simply take a moment to reevaluate your goals and get back on track tomorrow
• Write down your goals and put them somewhere you’re likely to see them everyday
• Remember that goal setting isn’t solely a New Year’s activity. You have the opportunity to make positive life changes throughout the year!

And most importantly, stay optimistic! Feel good that you’re taking a step toward improving yourself! Happy New Year!

Depression During the Holidays

Holidays can trigger intense feelings of loneliness and sadness. If this is the case for you or someone you know, help is available! The first steps to overcoming depression are to acknowledge your feelings and actively seek help.

Do you suffer from any of the following?

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or sadness that last weeks or longer
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
• Unintentional weight loss or gain
• Tiredness or weakness – sleeping more than usual
• Thoughts of suicide

If so, it may be appropriate to seek help. This can be in the form of a close friend or family member with whom you can comfortably share your feelings, or in a medical environment with a health care provider. For further information on depression, click here.

In Delaware, ContactLifeline can assist individuals struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior. Call 1-800-262-9800 to speak with a counselor at ContactLifeline...

...or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotlines:

1-800-273-TALK
1-800-SUICIDE

Don't Gain Weight This Holiday Season!

The holiday season is upon us and with all of the tasty treats it’s difficult to keep up with a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few tips to get you through the holidays without gaining weight:

• Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of skipping meals in preparation for one large meal
• Opt for nonalcoholic beverages
• Snack on fresh vegetables as appetizers, served with a low calorie dressing or dip
• Eat less by eating slower
• Portion size is key…smaller is better!
• Exercise daily! Take the dog for a walk or go for a stroll with the family before and after a meal.

For more tips to stay healthy this holiday season, click here.

20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day (December 1) was developed in 1988 as a way for people to come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. It is 20 years later, and we still have a lot of work to do!

If you are interested in taking an active roll in the World AIDS Campaign, click here.

Get Tested!

About 1 out of 4 people with HIV don't know they are infected. In the United States, more than 980,000 cases of AIDS have been reported to the government. About 40,000 women and men in the United States get HIV each year.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV disease.

HIV is transmitted in four different fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. If you have put yourself at risk for acquiring HIV through unprotected sex or sharing needles, it is important to get tested!

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, you owe it to yourself and your partner(s) to get tested. It only takes a slight finger prick and 10 minutes of your time in one of our health centers. Please call 1-800-230-PLAN for more information.

Check Out Our Healthy Woman Program!

Did you know that Planned Parenthood of Delaware is offering new expanded services for our clients?

These services include:

• Enhanced health screenings and referrals
• Expanded outreach and education
• FREE wellness coaching
• FREE nutritional counseling

Wellness coaching is individualized assistance to meet your needs! You can work one-on-one with our coaches to answer any of your questions, navigate the medical system, find community resources, advocate for your needs, and assist with Medicaid applications. We offer FREE public transportation to our clinics to meet with a wellness coach and receive services.

Please contact the Community Services Director for more information at 302-655-7296 x48

Additionally, we are offering NEW nutritionist services which include:
• Weight management
• Healthy eating on the go
• Affordable healthy eating plans
• Healthy family meal planning
• Special dietary needs
• Quitting smoking

Please contact our Nutritionist for more information at 302-655-7296 x17