Don’t you just love the beginning of a new year? Despite the usual wickedly frigid air, the first week in January always makes me feel refreshed, optimistic and energized. I can’t say that this eurphoric feeling lasts past the first 7 carefree days, but this year I’m going to try my best to keep my positive vibe buzzing as long as possible.

I’m not going to simply write or say what I want to accomplish this year, I’m going to put forth an infinite amount of effort into bringing my goals to fruition. I know that it’s easier said than done, but like the cliche says, “if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.” Failure is definitely not an option.

I have several personal, as well as professional goals that I need to make happen within the next 12 months. I realize that the only person who’s stopping me from successfully achieving them is me.

I encourage you to stick to your resolutions this year and become a better you!! We’re only on the third day of the year, so we have a long way to go!

Here are a few tips to help you stay on your resolutions’ wagon:

1. Choose an obtainable goal
2. Get specific about what time, when and where you’re going to carry out your goals (i.e exercising)
3. Don’t choose a goal that you fail over and over again each year
4. Ask friends and family to help you stay on track
5. Keep a journal (if you missed my posting on cute journals, check out entry: “Take Note”)

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I know many of you still live with the notion that AIDS is something that happens to other people, but it isn’t. It’s still a disease that’s rampant within our communities and could unfortunately happen to you if you don’t use protection and proper precautions.

The statistics show that HIV and AIDS is still one of the leading causes of death among African-American men and women. According to the CDC, In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a health crisis for African Americans. At all stages of HIV/AIDS—from infection with HIV to death with AIDS—blacks (including African Americans) are disproportionately affected compared with members of other races and ethnicities.

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to find out your status. Get tested regulary because It could save your life. Remember, BGs always take care of themselves and use protection. Be smart. Knowing is empowering.

Here are some startling facts:

According to the 2000 census, blacks make up approximately 13% of the US population. However, in 2005, blacks accounted for 18,121 (49%) of the estimated 37,331 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States in the 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting.

Of all black men living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was sexual contact with other men, followed by injection drug use and high-risk heterosexual contact.

Of all black women living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was high-risk heterosexual contact, followed by injection drug use.

Of the estimated 141 infants perinatally infected with HIV, 91 (65%) were black (CDC, HIV/AIDS Reporting System, unpublished data, December 2006).

Of the estimated 18,849 people under the age of 25 whose diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was made during 2001–2004 in the 33 states with HIV reporting, 11,554 (61%) were black.

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I try to eat foods that are good for me, but that isn’t always as easy it seems. Especially, due to my unyielding craving for sugary candies like gummi bears, sour watermelon slices and Skittles. So when I feel that I’m beginning to pack on a few unwanted pounds, I put my foot down – literally and hit the pavement.

Walking is my favorite form of exercise because it’s relaxing and allows me to shed pounds while taking in the scenery. Because I live in New York, which is the preeminent walking city, it’s easy for me to keep my weight down because we walk everywhere!

If I need to go to the store – I walk; if I want to go out to dinner – I walk. So for those of you who don’t live in pedestrian-friendly cities like me, get out of your cars and start walking. Maybe you can take a walk to your local drugstore, doctor’s office or your child’s school instead of driving. Or, grab your beau and suggest a romantic walk in the park. Whatever you decide, walking can get your heart pumping.

With the holiday season upon us, walking can definitely be an effective weapon against those pesky pounds that are sure to sneak up from eating all those delicious dishes at Big Momma’s house.

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