One of the best (and easiest) things we can do to improve our health is by simply drinking water. Water is needed for proper function of our organs and muscles, not to mention it's great for our complexion! So, the challenge this month is to put down the sugary sodas and high calorie enerygy drinks and pick up the water. Check out the video above from our FOCUS campaign last year to get some interesting facts about the importance of water. Read this article if you need some extra motivation.

The foundation of truly ACHIEVING a healthy body is drinking water...everyday! 

January 2012 CHALLENGE: Set the goal(s) you want to ACHIEVE

You might not be one to make New Year's resolutions, but that doesn't mean you can't set a goal you want to ACHIEVE. We all have an area of our health & wellness that we can improve on. Maybe it's eating healthier, exercising more, stretching more often, correcting our posture, or taking care of our aches/pains. Whatever it might be, here is the SIMPLE challenge for this month: WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL(S) YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE.

A recent Dominican University study showed that writing down one’s goal enhances goal ACHIEVEment. So, take a moment and write it down - short term or long term goal - that's it. A simple challenge this month, but one that can make the difference between ACHIEVing your goals and falling short of them in 2012.

December 2011 CHALLENGE: Keept the FAT off!

Did you know: The average American gains 1.5 lbs of pure FAT between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Continue to exercise, eat right and stay focused! You can enjoy the holiday's and be healthy - here's some tips:

1. Learn to say no: Easier said than done, especially when you’re from a family who thrives on feasts during this time of year. When someone asks you if you would like another helping, reply with “no thank you”. Overindulging is going to hurt you a lot more than declining is going to hurt them. Yes, some family members see it as rude, but they’ll get over it. Do what’s right for your body.
2. Enlist a family walk after dinner: If you’ve overate along with everyone else, you’re probably not the only one who feels like they’re about to pop. Ask your family members if anyone is interested in walking off some of that food after dinner. Give your food enough time to digest, and burn some of those new calories. It can become a new family tradition, like the Great Turkey Day Waddle.
3. Bring the salad: Not enough healthy food at the gathering? Be the one responsible for bringing a healthy option. A salad is always welcome with any type of cuisine. You certainly won’t be the only one eating it. I’ve never been to an event where a salad has gone untouched. It doesn’t even have to be salad. Find a healthy alternative to a dish that’s regularly at your celebration.

Cheating should be allowed on your diet and exercise routine, but don’t take this as a break for the rest of the year. Stay motivated, stay relaxed, stay festive and stay healthy!

To Register for the Turkey Trot 5k, visit thier website: SVTURKEYTROT.ORG  - make sure you select "5k Run/Walk" to participate with us (you can also do the 10k on your own).

We will be posting videos and info on this site and our FACEBOOK PAGE to help get you ready for this great event. I CHALLENGE you to be a part of it!