From the Publisher’s desk.

Every year when I write my New Year’s resolutions, I always end up going back to the same one: commit to working on my health and overall wellness. But, every year, the resolution seems to fizz out by February.

While blaming this on the delicious food in Puerto Rico could be easy, it would be disingenuous. It’s a challenge to choose a healthier option when you can choose

mofongo,

pasteles,

sancocho,

alcapurrias, or

tostones instead–and all with

mayo-ketchup. There’s also the tropical, very Puerto Rican ‘life’s a fiesta’ mindset that allows for a few too many bottles of wine and other libations. Oh, and don’t forget the endless dinners and cocktail hours that keep me from getting the suggested amount of nightly sleep.At the end of the day, the decision is mine. Through my experiences and research, I came to the realization that Puerto Rico needs a wellness center here on the island. After many months of planning and hard work, I am excited to have a new facility called

Performa Wellness Center. Since my resolution has always been about more than just going to a gym to work out, I wanted to invest in something that encourages total body health and wellness. This includes education, physical activity, nutrition, muscle recovery, preventive medicine, and a healthy mind.It’s clear I can’t stick to that resolution on my own, and that I may not have enough willpower to change some habits. This year, I’ve decided to turn that over to a team of wellness professionals that will help me analyze my current condition, make up a diverse plan of physical activities and treatments (even cryotherapy!), and help me meet my goals with constant follow-ups and education on how to implement these in my daily life.A big plus is that I will be doing all of this for my own well-being, while at the same time helping the island in a small way with the opening of a new business that is already providing jobs and more activity in the Hato Rey area.For the remainder of 2018, and maybe a little bit of 2019, I will most certainly be enjoying pasteles, coquito, lechón, and arroz con gandules, but here’s to hoping Performa’s services will keep me on track for my 2019 fitness and wellness goals. I’ll update you on my progress in a few months, but in the meantime, let me know what your 2019 resolutions are. Leave it in the comments below.

*Mark E. Curry is a leading entrepreneur, philanthropist and impact investor. Curry founded SOL Partners in Puerto Rico in 2012, and in January 2017 completed acquisition of NotiCel. As Chair of the Mark E. Curry Family Foundation, he invests in critical community charitable organizations.