Greetings friends of Live Well Ferguson!

Well, the new year is here and you know what that means... New Year’s resolutions. The most popular resolutions typically involve health. Whether it’s eat healthy, exercise regularly, or lose weight, healthy minded promises are always popular on January 1st.

While these promises are well intended, they often don’t last. Here’s a few tips on how to make a resolution stick.

Set Specific Goals
It’s important to know exactly what you are looking to do and how to measure it. Instead of setting a goal of losing weight, be detailed about how much you want to lose and by when.

Be Realistic
While making changes in your lifestyle, it’s important to understand your limitations and take your time. Nothing worth while happens over night, so be patient. Take into account your current lifestyle and the obstacles that will stand in your way. By setting realistic goals you will be able to make changes that will last.

Track Progress
It’s hard to tell if you’ve hit a goal if there’s nothing to track. While being specific in setting your goals make sure they are tangible. That way you can see what is working and what might need to change.

Live active! Live healthy! Live well!
Live Well Ferguson

Upcoming Events

• January 1—Open House at the Emerson Family YMCA
• January 1—Commitment Day St. Louis Run
• January 4—Run with Ferguson Running Club
• January 6—Volleyball Begins with Ferguson Recreation
• January 6—Aerobics begins with Ferguson Recreation
• January 7—Zumba begins with Ferguson Recreation
• January 8—Live Well Ferguson Taskforce Meeting
• January 11—Run with Ferguson Running Club
• January 18—Winter Ferguson Farmers Market/The Vine Market at St. Stephen’s
• January 18—Run with Ferguson Running Club
• January 23—Tai Chi begins with Ferguson Recreation
• January 25—Teen Ski Trip begins with Ferguson Recreation
• January 25—Run with Ferguson Running Club
• January 27—2014 Bike Expo & Swap Meet
• January 27—Winter Swim Lessons begins with Ferguson Recreation

Commitment Day St. Louis

Looking for a healthy way to start the new year? Sign up for the Commitment Day St. Louis 5K! Begin 2014 with a commitment to a healthy way of life as you enjoy scenic views of the city with family and friends. The race and fun run/walk will begin on Market & 15th, just across the street from the Peabody Opera House. It will go west on Market until Compton and then turn north at the Chaifetz Arena. Upon reaching Olive, turn east and continue until 18th street and turn south. After a short jaunt to Chestnut, head east and run along side the Memorial Plaza until reaching the finish. Congratulations!

Ferguson Running Club

On May 17, 2014, the 4th Annual Ferguson Twilight Run will offer a 10K and 5K route. A Couch to 5K training program is available at no charge for anyone interested in training for the 5K. For those interested in training for the 10K, the Ferguson Running Club offers weekly runs on Saturday mornings at 8am through the winter months. Runs begin in January Wabash Memorial Park, and club membership is free to all. The club is geared toward intermediate and advance runners. Saturday morning training sessions usually include two to six mile runs or interval and hill training.

Live Active: Maintain Exercise During the Winter

When temperatures drop especially low it can be difficult to maintain an exercise routine. It is important to push through this time of year to avoid getting into bad habits. If you enjoy running outside continue to do so, just bundle up. Be sure to have warm but loose fitting clothes that allow you to move. If the cold is a major deterrent switch up your routine. Find a local gym, use the steps in your home to exercise, or run on a treadmill. Be creative and have fun!

Live Healthy: Good Eating in Season

Rutabagas are a root vegetable related to cabbage, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, collards, broccoli and turnips. Rutabagas are a rich source of dietary fiber that improves gastrointestinal health and Vitamin C that helps heal wounds. Rutabagas are also a good source of potassium which helps maintain blood pressure. When buying rutabagas, select ones that are yellow to tan in color and have a smooth skin without wrinkles. Both the roots and leaves are edible.

Mashed Rutabaga with Greens
Serves 6

Live Well: Healthy Hero Chris Jaurigui

Live Well Ferguson: How do you make active living fun?

Chris: Find things that you enjoy doing that also exert energy. I’ve had different hobbies and sports I’ve enjoyed. When I was a kid, that was swimming. In my twenties, it was softball and weightlifting. Now, riding a bicycle is an activity I enjoy.

LWF: What resources does Ferguson have for healthy lifestyles?

Chris: The Emerson Family YMCA is an excellent resource for swimming and exercise classes. We have lots of parks where people can walk with their families and dogs. The playgrounds are a great place to take kids, grandkids, and nieces and nephews. Forestwood Park is also a great place for team sports.

LWF: What are some of the additional benefits of living well?

Chris: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle increases your daily energy. Trying new healthy foods makes nutrition exciting.

Do you know a healthy hero?
Nominate a Live Well Ferguson Healthy Hero by sending an email to recreation@fergusoncity.com explaining in 200 words or less how this person lives a healthy lifestyle and inspires others to do the same.