DOVER — So, what’s your resolution?
Whether it’s to lose weight, spend more time with family, learn a new skill or something else, New Year’s resolutions are commonplace.
A Nielsen survey from last year found 84 percent of respondents made a resolution for 2015. Of those, 37 percent wanted to “stay fit and healthy,” while 32 percent sought to lose weight.
Of course, making a resolution is one thing. Sticking to it is another.
For Kent Countians looking to get healthier, Bayhealth is touting its services. The hospital offers programs to help people quit smoking, lose weight and manage illnesses.
Preeti Gupta, a doctor with Bayhealth Family Medicine in Milford, said individuals seeking to lose weight should set realistic goals and remain motivated.
Aim to lose just a few pounds a month, she said.
Dr. Gupta normally recommends people start out by trying to shed 3 to 5 percent in the first month and then scaling back. When it comes to actually losing the weight, exercising regularly and eating fewer calories are the ways to succeed. Don’t buy into the fancy diets and pills that claim you’ll be able to shed pounds with ease.
Although there certainly are specific workouts and diets people can follow, losing weight is often difficult. Technology can help there in the form of calorie trackers and apps that monitor your exercises.
For some people, surgery may be recommended. Bayhealth will hold a seminar on bariatric surgery at Kent General on Jan. 5. For more information, call 430-5454.
Weight loss comes with obvious health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease. The knowledge that you are potentially prolonging your life can be a strong motivating factor if you are struggling to keep up with your weight-loss resolution.
Today is expected to be relatively chilly but sunny and dry, making it a good day to ring in the new year and start your resolution to be healthier with a hike at one of Delaware’s parks.
While most of the state’s participating parks are in northern New Castle County, First State Heritage Park in Dover will offer a walking tour of The Green at 1. Participants will meet at the John Bell House.
Cape Henlopen State Park’s Fort Miles Pinelands Trail will have a guided hike at 10, and a tour will depart from the Point at 11.
Whatever your resolution is, 2017 is here, and Gov. Jack Markell, for one, is positive.
“We have much to celebrate from the past year, and I know that our people have a bright and hopeful 2017 in front of them,” he said in a statement.