Resolving to Stay Healthy in the New Year

Did you have trouble sticking to your New Year's resolutions last year? Are you looking for ways to be more successful this year? Well, if you're like most Americans, you're not alone!

CIGNA recently commissioned a national survey to learn about Americans' attitudes toward making New Year's resolutions and what helps them succeed. Here are some of the things the survey revealed:

• Nearly 70% of Americans reported making a resolution last year.
• Younger adults - ages 18-24 - are more likely to make New Year's resolutions than any other age group, with 79% of people in this group reporting they made a resolution last year.

Some of the survey results weren't surprising and will sound familiar to most of us. For instance, the most common resolutions were Lose Weight (28%), Exercise More (12%) and Quit Smoking (11%).

While many people (51%) reported that they are still sticking with a resolution, many others find it hard to stay on track. In fact, only 25% of people surveyed reported being very successful at keeping their resolutions. And people tend to go off their resolutions fairly quickly:

• 12% reported not following through at all or giving up in less than a week
• A total of 43% gave up within six months

New Year's resolutions are usually related to making a healthy change, and change isn't easy. That's why CIGNA offers many helpful resources, such as online information and access to a 24-hour nurse line. And, depending on your plan, health coaches may also be available to work with you to help you develop and adopt strategies to achieve your health and wellness goals.

Many survey respondents reported that they follow some of these strategies. And they really do work! Of those people who reported sticking with their resolutions, 72% reported they checked their progress regularly, 62% reported they told someone their resolution, 49% reported they created a step-by-step plan, and 44% reported they gave themselves little rewards to keep going.

But about 25% of survey respondents reported they aren't committed or don't have enough time or discipline to follow through. About 7% reported not setting realistic goals, and 6% reported that it's hard to break old habits. A large percentage of people - nearly 20% - said they weren't sure why it's so hard to keep a resolution.

And among those who didn't make a resolution, 13% gave responses such as I've never been successful in the past, I don't want to set myself up to fail, or I don't think I can change.

These are all areas where health coaching and other CIGNA resources can help.

For more information about these resources, you may find these links on CIGNA.com helpful:

For information about stress management, fitness, smoking cessation, weight loss and other healthy living topics - http://www.cigna.com/health_money/staying_healthy/single.html

For information about CIGNA's health and wellness programs (availability of some programs may vary depending on your plan) - http://www.cigna.com/our_plans/programs/health_wellness.html

CIGNA wishes you success as we all resolve to stay healthy in 2008!