Community Health: Setting Healthy Intentions in 2023

As part of our community health partnership with Valley Health, our conversation this month focused on setting healthy intentions in 2023. Joining me was Tracy Mitchell, MS, CHES® Director, Wellness Services & Risk Reduction and Katherine Sellors, RD, LDN, clinical dietitian, Wellness Services. They explained their roles at Wellness Services, how they engage with VHS employees and the community.We discussed making healthy lifestyle changes and why declaring "New Year Resolutions" may not lead to success. Tracy explained the value and process for setting SMART goals and that the process begins with understanding your own experience and motivations. Specific Measurable Action-Oriented (steps that will lead you to your goal) Realistic (set yourself up for success) Timed (set target dates with stepping stones) We also discussed the importance of knowing what hasn't worked and why. Katherine explained how food journals work and why they're an important tool to dietary changes. Valley Health Wellness Services offers two programs for nutrition counseling: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) program, which requires a doctor/health care provider referral Nutrition Wellness Coaching, a  self-refer/self-pay service Information for both may be found at: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/our-services/outpatient-nutrition-services/ Other Resources MyPlate  (https://www.myplate.gov/ ) American Heart Association/Healthy Living (https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living) American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/)