When we are well, it is easy to take good health for granted. But when sickness comes — and it does — our perspective changes.

This is when we realize many of the simple but most meaningful aspects of life, such as spending time with family and friends, could come to an end.

These moments and memories can never be regained.

Create memories now and increase the likelihood of more in the future when you work together as a family to improve health and well being.

Families that support and motivate each other toward a healthier lifestyle can have more impact than when individuals try to fight disease alone.

Goals

It is important to set goals as individuals and as a group.

Use family members’ individual goals to create group goals.

Maybe your parents wish they had more mobility and less joint stiffness and you and your spouse both want to lose ten pounds.

Get moving. Create memories walking, biking or taking a group yoga or cycle class.

As important as exercise is so is a healthy diet.

Plan, prepare and eat nutritious meals together. When you participate as a family, individuals are encouraged and accountable — and more successful.

Celebrate

Because you established goals at the onset of our journey, you know what success looks like when you get there.

But what does it look like along the way?

To keep everyone on the path to better health, develop small, attainable objectives and celebrate those.

Maybe when your family started on this journey, you couldn’t run a mile without stopping, but now you can.

Celebrate it!

In addition, celebrate the unexpected victories that happen along the way. Large and small, whether anticipated or unexpected, take the opportunity to celebrate individual successes.

Encouragement can be very motivating.

The Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional offers families many opportunities to work together toward better health.

Make real improvements with group yoga, cycle or water aerobics classes offered in our Fitness Center.

Take advantage of the state-of-the-art workout equipment, indoor track and full-size basketball court, also in the Fitness Center.

Learn to shop for and plan healthier meals with the help of the Education Center.

Between 5,000 and 6,000 individuals are utilizing the Fitness Center and many of them are doing so as a family.

After all, healthier families make a healthier community — and a better place to live and work and enjoy our families.

Get your family started on a journey of improved health and wellness.

Call for more information about Thibodaux Regional’s Wellness Center at 985-493-4400 or Fitness Center at 985-493-4950.

Chrisy Myhand is the director of wellness services at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center.