HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A New Year, a new you and a healthy Tri-State -- they're all possible with some dedication.
From diet and exercise to healthier living and relationships, it's time to live your best life now. Healthy living is what you make of it, and there's no better time to start than the present.
It's the typical scene every new year at fitness clubs across the country -- folks renewing their vow to get healthy and stay that way.
“You have to do cardio, weight training and a healthy diet," said Cheryl Justice, a personal trainer at the Huntington YMCA. "If you do the first two and not the third, you may have a different version of yourself, but not one that’s slimmer."
Justice doesn't just train others. The self-proclaimed "fat kid" growing up now lives by example.
“A food journal is a great way to go. You won’t eat that fattening food if you know you have to write it down,” she said.
Patrick Lucas is on a mission to get healthier.
“My weight is the same, but my body is not,” he said.
Lucas is lacing up his brand new running shoes for a brand new resolution -- take his treadmill out of its three-year storage and take a few pounds off.
“Especially now that my son is playing baseball, I want to have the energy to play with him and throw the ball around and not get out of breath,” he said.
Dr. Linda Savory, a family practice doctor at the Cabell Huntington Hospital Womens and Family Medical Center, said, "Health is the best gift you can give yourself.”
She said while diet and exercise are priority one, total healthy living includes a doctor.
“A doctor can help you think about getting that mammogram, pap smear, prostate screening -- all of those preventors that can help you catch cancer in its earliest stages,” Savory said.
It's all a part of Healthy Tri-State 2009. The partnership between WSAZ, myZ and Cabell Huntington Hospital will focus on increasing healthy lifestyle choices in the Tri-State.
Healthy Tri-State 2009 is kicking off very soon with a series of informational stories, a “Biggest Loser” style half hour show and an all-new Website and online community.
Just start here at WSAZ.com, click on the “Life” tab on the homepage and then go to Healthy Tri-State. Information will be rolling in here during the next few days, including details and an entry form on how to become a part of the “Biggest Loser” style show.