As many people realize each year, New Year’s Eve resolutions are easier to make than keep.
Officials at the YWCA Bradford hope to help area residents keep resolutions for a healthy and productive start to 2019 by sponsoring the free “Find Your Balance in the New Year” workshop from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 in the YW at 24 W. Corydon St. During the workshop, area professionals will address maintaining good mental health, eating well, exercising and making smart financial choices. Those who plan to attend are asked to register by calling the YW at 368-4235, but walk-ins are welcome. Men, women and children are invited to attend.
Angela Erway, development and marketing director at the YW, said this is the first year for the agency to host such an event.
“Actually, our board had gotten together and we were all talking about how people often struggle with sticking with their resolutions,” Erway remarked. “We decided to start the new year with an event to help everyone make good choices in the new year to come.”
She said the board determined that resolutions people often make are to eat healthy, lose weight and save money. With that, they contacted four professionals to speak for 15 minutes each on related topics.
“This time of year we all get in a kind of funk about the weather, so we reached out to Mary Anne Polucci-Sherman (licensed psychologist at Behavioral Health Services and Bradford Regional Medical Center) to talk about seasonal affective disorder,” Erway said, noting the topic is titled “Beating the Winter Blues.”
They also contacted UPMC registered dietician Mariann Kahle who will talk about healthy foods and snacks to eat during her presentation titled “Mindful versus Mindless Eating.” Kahle will discuss eating patterns, the physical signs of hunger and how people can direct their attention away from food.
In addition, exercise science professional Natalie Marasco of the Bradford Family YMCA will speak about “Fitness on a Time Crunch.”
“She’s also going to get people up and help demonstrate the exercises,” Erway said. “That will be more interactive.”
During her presentation, Marasco will offer tips on how to stay fit with limited time and demonstrate exercises that can be done at home, in the office or on-the-go.
Also on the agenda will be Dan Minich, a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial, who will speak about “Going on a Cash Diet.” Minich will discuss managing money and financial planning.
“What a great group of presenters we were able to line up,” Erway commented.
YW board member Jeanie Satterwhite said she, too, is pleased with the caliber of speakers as well as their topics.
“I’m not surprised and very happy that once again the YWCA is addressing the very basic needs, mentally and physically, of the community,” Satterwhite said of the event which is open to all.
On a final note, organizers said the event will include — of course — free, healthy refreshments for all participants.
