Hosts and clinicians on En Sintonía offer realistic goal-setting and health tips for Montgomery County residents

Marcela Rodríguez Villagrán, host of the Spanish‑language radio program En Sintonía, opened the first 2026 episode by urging listeners to prioritize mental and physical health as they set new-year goals. She introduced psychotherapist Gaby Romo and Dr. Luis Aguirre of Iniciativa Latina de Salud to offer practical, community-focused recommendations.

Romo told listeners to set “metas realistas” that can be measured and reviewed over time and to link new habits to existing routines to make them stick. “Hay que tener metas realistas, metas que podamos medir,” she said, recommending short checkpoints rather than abandoning goals after an early setback. Romo emphasized daily reminders and gratitude exercises as low‑cost tools to build resilience.

On children and social media, Romo warned of rising depression and bullying among young people and urged parents to delay account creation when possible and to keep children's profiles private: “Estas plataformas fomentan la cultura de la comparación,” she said, adding that parental supervision and account access help limit exposure to harmful contacts.

Dr. Luis Aguirre focused on sleep, exercise and nutrition as foundational health practices. Explaining why sleep matters, he said the body and brain use sleep to repair tissues and clear metabolic waste, and recommended aiming for seven to nine hours nightly with a regular bedtime and a dark, cool bedroom. “Durante el sueño... el cerebro está trabajando activamente,” he said.

Aguirre also advocated making physical activity an everyday habit—walking, dancing or household chores—highlighting a county program called 'Bailemos con Zumba' led by Daisy de León as a social option to stay active. On diet, he advised prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, and warned listeners to check labels for added sugars and to prefer low‑fat or plant‑based dairy alternatives.

For listeners whose symptoms affect day‑to‑day functioning—severe anxiety, panic attacks or major depressive symptoms—Romo stressed the value of seeking professional help. Aguirre announced new asthma education groups for parents of children with asthma beginning Feb. 1 and provided registration contact details during the broadcast.

The program framed these recommendations as practical, culturally relevant steps listeners can start immediately: measurable goals, daily gratitude, limits on screens for children, improved sleep routines, accessible physical activity and attention to diet. Marcela closed by thanking the guests and encouraging residents to make health a priority in 2026.