What can 100 days do for your health?

One year after the first 100 Day Resolution challenge motivated more than 700 people to live healthier lives, the program is back for a second round.

The program, which runs from Jan. 1-April 10, challenges Weld County residents to commit to one of four healthy resolutions: to eat better, to move more, to quit tobacco or to create an overall healthier lifestyle.

A spinoff of the traditional New Year’s resolution that many Americans make each year, the challenge focuses on sticking with the resolution for just the first 100 days of the year. The concept behind the challenge is that 100 days may seem like a more achievable goal than a commitment to change for a whole year. And, after 100 days, some people may develop healthy habits that will stick with them beyond the challenge.

Participants will use a personal online log to track their progress. They will click on every day they are able to stick to their resolution. The goal of the challenge is to log at least 50,000 healthy days in Weld County, more than double the success of last year’s program.

Challenge participants can join individually, with a friend or as a group — such as an entire workplace or organization. Active participants will be eligible for prizes that will be randomly awarded.

The challenge is being sponsored by The Tribune, Steps to a Healthier Weld County at the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, North Colorado Medical Center and several other community partners.

» How to join
To join the challenge, go to www.stepstoa healthierweld.com and click on the 100 Day Resolution logo. After you register, you will get an e-mail with a link to click to activate your personal online log. During the 100 days, mark each day on your online log that you meet your goal. If you don’t have Internet access and still want to participate, you can use the calendar log that will publish in the Healthbeat in Friday’s Tribune or pick up a paper log at the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, 1555 North 17th Ave., Greeley, second floor, or North Colorado Medical Center Wellness Services, 1801 16th St., Greeley.

» How much does it cost?
It’s free to Weld County residents.

» Physical fitness testing:
New to this year’s challenge are two physical fitness testing dates for participants who want to see what kind of progress they are making beyond what the scale says. The tests, which include body mass index measurements and push up tests, will take place at the beginning and the end of the challenge. The tests cost $10. For more information, call (970) 350-6633.

« The first will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 15 at the Wellness Center at North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th St. in Greeley.

« The last tests will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 15 at the Wellness Center at NCMC.

» Challenge celebrations
« The midway celebration will take place
from 9-10 a.m. on Feb. 21 at the Greeley
Recreation Center, 651 10th Ave. in Greeley.

« The grand finale celebration will take place from 3-5 p.m. on April 18 at the Family FunPlex, 1501 65th Ave. in Greeley.

» I need a buddy to keep me motivated; can I join with my family, a workgroup or even just a friend?
You can either join as an individual or as a group to add to the fun and competitive spirit. Creating a group and inviting your friends, family and/or co-workers are fun ways to track your healthy days, support people you care about, as well as motivate each other to be healthier. Group members will have a common password code to enter data.

» What if I don't join on Jan. 1, can I still be part of the challenge?
Yes. The program will run from Jan. 1-April 10. You can join anytime during the 100 days, but the earlier you start, the healthier you can become.

» What if I have never exercised, where do I start?
Depending on your own personal circumstances, and especially if you have any type of medical problems, check with your health-care provider before attempting to start any kind of physical activity program. Walking for short distances is a good place to start. Gradually build up until you can comfortably complete 30 minutes of physical activity.

» Where can I go for more advice?
For starters, go to www.greeleytribune.com/ healthyhabits. There you will find links to health calculators, health quizzes and links to other helpful resources online. You can also check out The Tribune’s Healthy Habits blogs for the latest discussion about health-related issues. The Tribune also will have daily health tips throughout the challenge at www.greeleytribune.com.

Or go to www.stepstoahealthierweld.com and click on the 100 Day Resolution logo. Then click on resources. There, you’ll find expert tips for better nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation and overall healthy lifestyle.

» Who can I call if I have questions?
Call the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment at (970) 304-6470 and ask to speak to someone from the Steps to a Healthier Weld office or e-mail dretzlaff@co.weld.co.us.

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