This October, try not to "fall back" into old habits, whether these include an inactive lifestyle during the winter months or simply failing to change-up your routine. Maintain the activities you may have adopted over the summer and make them a part of your healthy lifestyle.

Ask yourself what activities you enjoy, and don't give up on finding out where this activity or program may be offered in your area. Programs such as RIC's Caring for Kids, featured in this month's Community Voice with program coordinator Janet Lutha, pick up where summer camp left off with afterschool and weekend activities and events. There may also be an adapted version available for your favorite activity; see this month's Your Writes column to learn more about one woman's experience with adapted kayaking.

This issue features additional articles that can help get yourself and others motivated to exercise. Our F.I.T.T. column discusses Motivational Interviewing, an empowering and collaborative method of working through the many barriers to change we all face. Read up on the NCHPAD factsheet "Motivation Through Goal Setting" (http://www.ncpad.org/71/525/Motivation~Through~Goal~Setting).
Keeping up on current research may also help with motivation. October's Director's column and Secondary Conditions column present important research findings regarding youth with disabilities.

In dealing with the day-to-day challenges in maintaining a daily routine that incorporates physical activity, always remember to stay positive - know and use your strengths. Have fun being active! Do activities that you love to do, and as always, use NCHPAD resources and services to assist you in being as active as you wish to be.

Send your questions and comments to Cheeri Ong, Interim NCHPAD News Editor, at cheeri@uic.edu.