We’re nearly a month into the new year and its about that time where people start falling off the New Year’s resolution wagon. It is stereotypical for people to chose to try to be healthier in the new year. It’s a fresh start and a good of time as any to commit to a better lifestyle

Some people are disciplined and are able to stick with their weight loss goals and others are just too tempted to revert back to their old ways. I don’t know where everyone is on their journey to self-discovery, but this past week has given a little boost to those looking for motivation.

Wednesday I went to Jackson to hear Dr. Dan Edney, local doctor and president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, give the Annual Public Health Report Card. Instead of comparing Mississippi to other states the MSMA and the Mississippi State Department of Health are focusing on changing the negative to a positive.

They, as most health studies do, are encouraging healthy diet, exercise, quit smoking and limit drinking alcohol. The hope is to join the worldwide initiative to reduce early death by noncommunicable diseases, cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic repertory diseases, by 25 percent by the year 2525. Edney seemed positive that this initiative is possible for our state.

The organizations hope to address healthcare inequality and access to care through the legislature. The focus is to start young so that healthy children will grow into healthy adults, but that doesn’t mean it is too late for adults.

Tuesday was the ribbon cutting for Crossfit Bayou Bluffs located downtown at 900 Clay St. As most know, Crossfit is one of the latest fads in exercise where participants work on their core strength and conditioning. It’s nice to see a program come to town for those looking for an intense workout to help shed pounds and build muscle.

I have cousin who is very into taking the classes in her town. Personally, I wish there were a few more yoga options in Vicksburg because making a once a week 5:30 p.m. class isn’t always easy for all of us, but I digress.

Last Saturday, Vicksburg hosted Chill in the Hills, a 10K, 5K and 1 mile walk or run that supported Grace Christian Counseling. Events like these are amazing for the community because they involve the citizens, benefit an organization and contribute to individual goals people have for their personal fitness level.

I, for one, have been to the gym a mere six times in the seven months I have lived here. I only ran in two 5K’s in all of 2015. Just two years ago I would hit up the gym at least twice a week and up to five days a week, sometimes taking multiple classes in a day.

I miss the energy it gave me. I was nonstop and didn’t seem to need as much sleep. Being active always just made me feel better about my self in multiple ways. It’s not easy at first, but once it becomes habit, its hard not to get addicted to the endorphins.

Even though I made no such resolution to be healthier, I think for my wellbeing it would be advantageous to get back in the swing of things, if only to feel a little bit more human again. It may not be easier and it may not be cheap, but being healthy is beneficial not only to yourself but to your community.