Community Health Charities wants to help you get a Healthy Start to the New Year and place you in the drivers seat on the "Road to Good Health." If one of your new year's resolutions is to eat better and exercise regularly, you are not alone. Many American's report that losing weight to look and feel better is or has been their New Year's resolution. This year, Community Health Charities and our member agencies want you to keep in mind all the health benefits linked to your quest to shed a few pounds and fit more comfortably in your wardrobe. Visit our website to read more on planning a healthy New Year. Learn more facts and tips for your wellness journey, download some great new recipes, and learn what some of our member agencies have to say about a healthy diet balanced with exercise. In partnership with our member charities, Community Health Charities continues to offer National Health Day email updates to businesses throughout New England. This email is designed to promote and enhance the health and wellness of employees and their families. To support any of the health charities we represent, be sure to ask about our charitable giving campaigns for the workplace to support your health charity(ies) of choice. National Cervical Cancer Month Did you know the most common cause of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV)? Not every woman diagnosed with the HPV infection will develop cervical cancer. Ways of lowering your risk of being exposed to HPV include delaying sexual intercourse if you are young, limiting your number of sexual partners, and avoiding sex with people who have had multiple sexual partners. The vaccine, Gardasil, targets four types of HPV which together are responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases; additionally two other types together are responsible for causing genital warts in 90 percent of cases. This vaccine is used only to prevent the HPV infection or before an abnormal Pap test develops. It cannot be used to treat an existing infection. The American Cancer Society recommends that the vaccine be routinely given to females beginning at age 11 and as early as age 9 at a healthcare practitioner's discretion. For more information on cervical cancer, HPV, or the vaccine, visit www.fda.gov or www.cancer.org. Source: American Cancer Society and the Food and Drug Administration websites Birth Defects Prevention Month Before you get pregnant, the March of Dimes can provide you and your partner with thought provoking questions to ask yourselves related to the emotional, physical, and financial aspects of having a child. Being physically and emotionally ready before you become pregnant can increase the chances of having a healthy and full term baby. Healthy habits during pregnancy are not limited to moms. It is important for future dads to exercise, eat right, and stop smoking, drinking, or taking illegal drugs. For more information on getting healthy before becoming pregnant, and staying healthy during pregnancy, visit www.marchofdimes.com. A Lunch & Learn related to pregnancy is available. Please refer to topic 7 in your Lunch & Learn booklet. Source: March of Dimes If you would not like to receive these updates each month, please send an email to the list administrator by clicking here.