Download PDF of January 2024 ySocial Issue
January 2024
January is National Mentoring Month, National Blood Donor Month, and Birth Defects Prevention Month
You can find the best resources by clicking the names above.
January 1 - New Year’s Day
Out with the old, in with the new! Happy New Year!
January 4 - National Trivia Day
Happy National Trivia Day! 🧠 Celebrate with a brain teaser - What is the only planet in our solar system that rotates clockwise? Comment your answer below!
Answer to post later: Venus. It’s the only planet in our solar system that rotates clockwise, also known as retrograde rotation.
January 9 - National Law Enforcement Day
On National Law Enforcement Day, thank your brave law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifice and for continuing to keep the community safe. #LawEnforcementDay
January 15 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Today, we honor Martin Luther King Jr. His vision for equality and justice continues to inspire us all. Let’s continue to foster a society where love triumphs over hate and unity prevails over division. #MLKDay #inspiration #equality
January 26 - National Spouses Day
Spend some quality time with your partner today. Surprise them with dinner at their favorite restaurant, take a stroll through the park, or watch their favorite movie.
What’s in season? Lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, jicama, beets, turnips, celery root, onions, leeks, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, sunchokes and radishes.
Quinoa and chickpeas add plant-based protein to this vegetarian grain bowl. Prep in advance and store them in air-tight containers for convenient, healthy, grab-and-go lunches all week long!
Post for 1/11 National Milk Day - Did you know milk is a good source of essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, phosphorus, potassium, and protein? These nutrients are necessary for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being, so drink up!
Viral Bites: Love it or hate it, last year cottage cheese racked up more than 1 billion views on TikTok. What cheesy ideas do you have with protein-packed cottage cheese?
Post for 1/24 - What better way to start National Peanut Butter Day than with a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie! #peanutbutter #foodday
"Winter blues are cured every time with a potato gratin, paired with a roast chicken."
~ Alexandra Guarnaschelli
Trending: Yuzu - a citrus fruit that tastes like a mix of grapefruit, lemon, and orange. Try it in marinades, dipping sauces, salad dressings, or smoothies.
Post for 1/19 - Make a healthy snack for National Popcorn Day. Pop some corn and sprinkle it with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a burst of Ranch flavor.
Transform Taco Tuesday into something new this month with Taco-stuffed Sweet Potatoes that are customizable for the entire family.
Are you spending too much time on your device? Consider taking a break or setting daily limits on your screen time, especially on social media. #mentalhealth
We’re all feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Swap those canned beans for a bag of dried, and cook them yourself for a budget-friendly alternative. You can even freeze them!
Stay stress-free this Winter. Bundle up and explore nature! Studies suggest that outdoor exercise is good for the soul and your heart.
Don’t wait to get your car’s emergency kit prepped and ready until the big storm. Do it now!
New Year, New You! Start your day by ignoring emails, eating a good breakfast, reading the news, meditating, or working out. This will ensure you’ve got the fuel for a productive day!
Post for 1/21 - It’s National Hug Day! Hugging is known to lower blood pressure, which benefits heart health. So go ahead and give lots of hugs today.
The squat is the most important exercise for seniors. If you only have time for one exercise, this is the one! #seniorfitness #exercisegoals #squat
Go nuts! Aside from having protein, nuts are packed with fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals and are an excellent choice for those following a plant-based diet to fill their protein needs. #nuttygoodness #fiberfull
Post for 1/24 - Make someone’s day and pay them a compliment. It’s National Compliment Day!
January is a great time to nurture your relationships with friends and family, make an effort to meet new people, or reconnect with old friends. #NewYearNewYou
The start of the year is always an excellent time to Implement new things. Add eco-friendly practices to your daily life, such as reducing plastic use or conserving energy.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Consider donating blood to local blood banks. January can be a critical time for blood donations, as the need often increases, but the supply can be low. #BloodDonorMonth
Volunteer at local schools or community centers to help with after-school programs, tutoring, or mentoring. Many organizations appreciate extra help as students return from winter break.
Be neighborly! Check-in on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to see if they need help with snow removal, grocery shopping, or other winter-related tasks.
Start the year by organizing fitness classes, wellness workshops, or health screenings in your community. #community #caring #health
Assist local animal shelters by volunteering your time to help care for animals, clean facilities, or support adoption events.
Many shelters and soup kitchens need volunteers during the winter months. Offer your time to help serve meals, organize donations, or provide companionship to those in need.
Collect and donate warm clothing, blankets, and other winter essentials to local shelters or organizations that support the unhoused.
Organize or participate in a local food drive. January can be challenging for some families, and food banks often experience increased demand after the holiday season.
Personal growth starts now! Set aside time for reading, learning something new, or pursuing a hobby or skill you've always wanted to develop.
January 23rd is National Pie Day. Can pie be good for you? Maybe! Stick to fruit, whole grain crusts, and, most importantly, moderation! Check out this Healthy Apple Pie Recipe.
Add these items to your grocery list for a heart-healthy diet - beets, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, tofu, olives, olive oil, garbanzo beans, avocados, oatmeal, blueberries, salmon, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and chile peppers.
Eat them up! Pomegranates are packed with powerful antioxidants that can decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even obesity. #pomegranatepower
DYK, bones are stimulated when they’re jolted? If you’re a walker, try a walk-and-stomp routine - for every ten steps, pretend you are crushing a can for 3 of them. #buildstrongbones
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that engages various muscle groups and is gentle on joints, making it an excellent choice for all fitness levels. #DiveIn at the Y!
Do you feel like taking a hot shower after being out in the cold? You may want to rethink that. Extreme temperature differences can put stress on your heart. #hearthealthy
😊💪 Regular physical activity boosts mood-enhancing endorphins, helping you feel happier and more positive throughout the day. Get happy with a workout at the YMCA! #ExerciseForHappiness #EndorphinBoost #HappyVibes
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated and add a burst of flavor to your drinks! Swap sugary sodas and energy drinks for water infused with fresh fruits, herbs, or cucumber slices.
Helping your kids set goals can encourage them to develop new skills and passions. Talk to them about what they want to achieve and how they can make it happen. #goalsetting
Snowday? These FREE winter coloring pages will keep them busy for a while.
Post for 1/4 - It’s National Spaghetti Day! Make this super simple, kid-friendly spaghetti for dinner tonight. Bonus! There are some hidden veggies in there.
Is the weather forcing you to stay inside? Have a craft day where kids can make winter-themed art projects like these!
What’s a fun way to warm up? Crank up the tunes and have a dance party with your family’s favorite songs, or introduce your children to different genres of music and dance styles.
Ditch the wintertime blues and start an indoor garden with easy-to-grow plants. As the plants grow, teach your kids about plant care and fun facts about them.
DIY projects aren’t just for Dad! Take on a home improvement project as a family, such as redecorating a room or building something simple. Get the kids involved with age-appropriate tasks that will teach them new skills.
What are your kids’ favorite winter books to read? Share your list with us!
Post for 1/31 - Who doesn’t love a warm cup of Hot Chocolate? Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day with a creamy cup of chocolatey goodness.
We know catering to kids' ever-changing tastes can be a constant source of frustration. Check out these 72 easy and kid-friendly dinner ideas that the whole family will love.
Like it or not, winter is here. Provide your members with a workout video they can do at home with the following copy: "Here's a quick workout you can do at home. No equipment needed!"
This January, start or revamp your exercise routine. Whether it's walking, running, biking, yoga, swimming, or a fitness class, the YMCA is guaranteed to have something you’ll love!
Join the YMCA today and get access to state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch fitness equipment. Stop in for a tour today.
Record a video showcasing the mental health and wellness resources available through the YMCA, including yoga, meditation, and counseling services. #makementalhealthapriority
Everyone loves taking quizzes! Create one such as: "How healthy are your eating habits? Take our quiz to find out!"
Ready to prioritize your health and wellness? Join the YMCA and start your journey today.
We're giving away a free one-year membership to the Y! Enter to win today. #NewYearNewYou
With our friendly staff and welcoming community, the YMCA is the perfect place to make new friends and stay motivated. #YouGotThis
Produce a video highlighting the childcare services offered at the YMCA, emphasizing the convenience for busy parents.
Run towards a healthier you at the YMCA! 🏃♀️ Join now, and let's hit the ground running together! #YMCA #RunningClub #HealthAndWellness
Which winter sport is also known as “the Roaring Game”?
Answer: Curling
Who had a hit with Simon & Garfunkel's "A Hazy Shade of Winter"?
Answer: The Bangles
Which two planets are easily visible in the evening sky during January?
Answer: Venus and Mars.
How long can a Pomegranate tree live?
Answer: Two centuries! There’s one in Rome that is 208 years old.
What is the term for a yoga pose that involves standing on one leg with the other leg lifted and the foot resting on the inner thigh?
Answer: Tree pose.
How many players are there on a standard soccer (football) team?
Answer: 11 players.
What is the largest species of bear?
Answer: Kodiak Bear.
Which American football team has won the most Super Bowl championships as of 2022?
Answer: The New England Patriots.
What is the coldest city in the United States?
Answer: Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks has seen temperatures reaching minus 66 degrees! Brrrr.
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie
"One kind word can warm three winter months." ~ Japanese Proverb
“If you have a body, you are an athlete!” ~ Bill Bowerman
"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." ~ B.B. King
"The problem with winter sports is that – follow me closely here – they generally take place in winter." ~ Dave Barry
"Ordinary people think merely of spending time. Great people think of using it." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer
"People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy." ~ Anton Chekhov
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." ~ Anne Lamott
"Winter forms our character and brings out our best." ~ Tom Allen
“Today it hurts, tomorrow it works!” ~ Unknown
“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” —Thomas Jefferson