Every January, as the calendar turns to the New Year, people around the area vow to stop smoking, lose weight and get in shape. But, as we all know, the optimism of January often fades in the months that follow.

We see an increase in the number of people joining our Y, usually by about 40 percent in January, but by March, it is business as usual. Making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle is more important now than ever, and making this commitment together as a family or with a supportive group greatly improves success.

Studies confirm again and again the vital role that interaction and connectedness play in the long-term health and well-being of individual family members. The Wheeler Regional Family YMCA, which has been helping adults and families achieve their personal health and well-being goals for more than 95 years, offers some important advice to those interested in keeping New Year's resolutions fresh throughout the year.

Prepare resolutions together as a family. Take the time and make the time to sit with your kids to set some fun goals for the New Year. Reflect on last year and talk about dreams for the future.

Make "well-rounded" resolutions. Make a commitment to balancing spirit, mind and body. Consider areas outside of fitness, such as improved nutrition, increased community service and additional time spent together as a family.

Make resolutions specific, realistic and measurable. Choose resolutions that consider the entire family including goals that are measurable and guide the family toward healthier living.

Accentuate the positive. Make more resolutions which focus on adding healthy activities rather than restricting unhealthy ones.

Don't "over resolve." Consider what's realistic given realities of your family current daily life that cannot be changed, or at least not changed overnight.

Celebrate with positive, healthy rewards. Honor small successes with positive, fun and healthy rewards that meet the needs of the entire family. Check in with each other regularly and celebrate achievements, big and small.

Be realistic-prepare for setbacks. A bout with the flu might get the family off track for a week. Setbacks are not failure-they are times to call in the troops for reinforcement.

Work together as a team to overcome barriers. If a family member is having trouble meeting a goal, brainstorm together to develop a new strategy.

"We can help you bring your New Year's resolutions to fruition. Whether it is through our Family Friday Night, Teen Center or drop-off child care," said Linda Hendrickson, wellness director. "The YMCA staff can help you and your family meet your goals for greater connectedness in the New Year."

For more information about YMCA programs, contact the Wheeler Regional Family YMCA, 149 Farmington Ave., Plainville, CT 06062 or call (860) 793-9631.

Shawn Fongemie is the marketing and membership director of the Wheeler Regional Family YMCA.