More than two in five Australians have planned a New Year’s Resolution for 2015 and Cancer Council Queensland is determined to help make them stick.
Research* shows that while more than seven million Australians planned to make a New Year’s Resolution in 2015, the majority (three in four) find it difficult to carry out their goals.
The study also found that two in three Australians didn’t succeed with their resolutions in 2014.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said maintaining good health was one of the most popular resolutions for 2015 – and an important one to keep.
“Across all states, health and fitness topped the list for New Year’s Resolutions,” Ms Clift said.
“It’s great to see Queenslanders taking on 2015 by setting big goals for their health and wellbeing.
“We want to help people across our state achieve a better quality of life and establish new healthy habits.”
Ms Clift said research showed the key to achieving goals was to be realistic, keep track of progress, and share your goals with family and friends as motivation.
“Making too many changes too quickly or becoming discouraged after initial setbacks can cause people to throw in the towel and resume old unhealthy habits,” Ms Clift said.
“Planning and setting realistic expectations are key. It’s important that people start with small changes and develop a great support base of friends and family to encourage them to make long-term changes for their health.
“We want to keep all Queenslanders motivated to achieve their health and wellbeing goals, whether that be by changing diet, alcohol and exercise habits, or quitting smoking.”
The Health of Queenslanders Report 2014** branded Queensland as the heaviest state in Australia – an undesirable claim to fame – but an issue that could be improved through making simple lifestyle changes.
“Our state has the highest rates of both adult and child obesity nationally, with 65 per cent of adults and 28 per cent of children weighing in as overweight or obese,” Ms Clift said.
“It’s time to make a change – many people may not realise that one-third of all cancers are preventable with simple lifestyle changes including eating healthily, being SunSmart, moving more, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake.”
Cancer Council Queensland offers the following top tips for keeping your 2015 New Year’s health and wellbeing Resolutions:
- Set a goal that’s achievable – be realistic about your resolution.
- If you feel like giving up, remind yourself of why you decided to change and how your action will benefit your health in the short and long term (prevent cancer!)
- Set a timeline and a healthy reward for your actions such as a massage or time with friends and family.
- Identify obstacles –how will you handle the hard times when they arrive?
- Get support – tell others about your resolution and ask for their ongoing encouragement.
- Find something new and meaningful to get involved in, such as Cancer Council’s Relay For Life.
- Join the QUEST to reduce your risk of cancer at www.quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or on our website.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171
*http://www.finder.com.au/press-release-bunch-of-failures-or-just-optimistic-finder-com-au-new-years-resolution-study-shows-new-year-novelty-fizzles-fast
**Fifth report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland, The Health of Queenslanders Report 2014.