Message to Wise & Well Members

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is already upon us! This edition of Wise & Well is arriving just in time for your Thanksgiving turkey, and before you know it, we will be celebrating the New Year.

Every New Year, thousands of people make resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, or start an exercise routine. Unfortunately, most slip back into their old habits and let their good intentions fall by the wayside just days later.

This year, Meridian challenges you to live a more heart-healthy lifestyle — and we’ll help! Inside, you’ll find tips for keeping active during the cold winter months, a tasty and nutritious recipe to try on Thanksgiving, and information about upcoming programs teaching you how to cook and live in a heart-healthy manner.

I also recommend our program called Realistic Resolutions: Starting the New Year Right, which will be held at all three of our hospital campuses during the first week of January. The program, taught by one of our registered dietitians, provides expert advice on how to make a goal — and stick to it. We also will be offering a host of other classes, including A Heart-Healthy New Year — at Ocean Medical Center — and our ongoing women’s HeartAdvantage programs, which educate the community on how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Don’t wait for American Heart Month in February to make heart health a priority. Instead, start fighting the nation’s number one killer today by leaning on the experts at Meridian Health, who are Taking Care of New Jersey every day.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2007!