Living Healthy Reminders!

Just a few reminders as we finish up our 2009 program and begin our 2010 program!

Challenge six ends JANUARY 2 …

Yes, we have one more holiday to get through (New Year’s Eve/Day) before your final weigh-in for challenge six. You’ll be able to report your results for challenge six between Saturday, January 2 and Friday, January 8. You can report your results by visiting our Web site at http://www.dmba.com/wellness/wellness.aspx (select the link ‘Report your 2009 challenge results’). And while you’re on our Web site – check out the link ‘Review your 2009 results history.’

Challenge one starts January 1 …

Our first challenge of 2010 will begin January 1. Back by popular demand (or not) it’s the return of our sugar challenge. Of course your activity goal (30 min 5 days/week) will be a part of this challenge and the nutritional goal will focus on soft drinks and desserts. Both the activity goal and the nutritional goal will need to be reached by 80% or better. You can access the rules of this challenge, along with a tracking calendar on our Web site - same link as above.

Don’t forget to register for the 2010 challenges …

You can register for the 2010 wellness challenges on our Web site at http://www.dmba.com/wellness/wellness.aspx (see link ‘Register for 2010 Program’). Your registration will open all challenges for the 2010 year – so you only need to do this one time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know! If you can’t remember your login ID or your password for the Deseret Mutual Web site please contact our Customer Service Team at 1-800-777-3622.

Live Well and have a Happy, Healthy New Year!!

Joann Sparks
Wellness Coordinator
Deseret Mutual
(801) 578-5742
jsparks@dmba.com

Laughing Today?

The research evidence is in: people who laugh more have fewer heart attacks! Viewing life's challenges with a sense of humor will improve the quality - and maybe even the quantity - of your life. Find new ways to tickle your funny bone and you'll enjoy a wealth of physical as well as mental health benefits ... seriously!

Enjoying a hearty laugh does more than make you smile. It can relieve pain, boost the immune system, and help you relax during or after a hard day. Laughter even stimulates the release of endorphins - the brain's feel-good hormones. It's no wonder that health experts recommend a healthy dose of humor as part of your daily diet!

So cultivate your sense of humor by feeding it. Take a moment to list books, shows, people, stories, and other things that make you laugh - the more, the better!

Healthy Rewards

When you're trying to lose weight, it's a good idea to set milestones. While your goal weight is the ultimate prize, victories along the way also deserve to be celebrated! After all, changing lifestyle habits isn't easy...short-term rewards can motivate you.

Choosing your reward ...

Rewards should be meaningful and something you can do or access quickly. Most important, they should be in line with your healthy lifestyle. Many people associate rewards with food - try to break that pattern and pick something different, like a round of golf, a massage, new shoes, new workout music, a healthy cooking class, or fitness equipment.

Write a list of goals you'd like to reach and the healthy rewards you'll use to celebrate your success!