With each new year, many people resolve to make a change to improve themselves.Common New Year’s Resolutions include quitting smoking, losing weight, saving more money, spending more time with family, etc.In a January 2015 Nielsen survey, “staying fit and healthy” was the top New Year’s resolution. About 37 percent made that choice while “lose weight” closely followed at 32 percent. Just 16 percent responded that they were not making any resolutions.These days, more than ever, people are seeing how healthy living is armor against chronic disease. But living healthier can require some assistance.“All of us want good health. But many of us need guidance and support to be as healthy as possible,” said Stacey White, RN, MSN, public health nurse for the Warren County Health Department. “Moving more and eating healthy can make significant improvements to both your physical and your mental health.”If a person’s body weight is 20 percent or more than it should be, that is considered obese. If a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or over, that is obese. Being inactive, overweight and obese reduces a person’s mobility and increases a person’s risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other life-threatening illnesses.Residents of Warren County have an obesity rate of over 31 percent, which makes its health department eligible for grants to help people of all ages, throughout the year, to increase their physical activity and learn healthier eating habits.“We can help you succeed by making it affordable, providing education, motivation and a variety of opportunities to make those changes,” White said. “Our prices to participate are extremely affordable in an effort to make our services available to all.”The health department has a Community Fitness Center located at the former Warrenton Outlet Center, in the old Nike store, that offers a variety of exercise classes for all ages and fitness levels. The Fitness Center offers commercial grade exercise equipment, certified instructors and personal trainers.The health department, along with the University of Missouri Extension Center, holds a weekly weight control and nutrition class, as well as a class for decreasing and managing stress, “Living a Joyful Life,” with local professional life coach, Karen Ahlquist.“Stress is another factor that impacts our health, more than we realize,” White said.The Mayo Clinic reports that stress can cause pain and sleep disruptions. Stress can also lead to anxiety, anger, depression and even social withdrawal.The health department hosts a monthly Wellness Luncheon at the Warren County Administration building, 101 Mockingbird Lane in Warrenton, on the second Monday of each month. For a $5 donation, for those who can afford it, the health department provides lunch and guest speakers who talk various health and wellness topics.Each spring, the department offers a Grassroots Community Garden. The program provides a garden plot and all of the plants, gardening tools and water to participants for $20. Members plant, weed and harvest their plots.“This is a great way to get plenty of fresh veggies and a fun way to involve your kids and grandkids in the process,” White said.The Annual Warren County Family Health Fair will be held on March 11 in conjunction with a 5K Walk/Run. About 600 people usually attend the event. The event features about 80 health and wellness vendors. There are activities for children to learn how to eat healthy, grow gardens, exercise and more.By making changes, however small, White said, “You can improve your health and decrease your chance of developing life-changing chronic diseases.”Experts say the key to New Year’s resolutions is to set smaller, attainable goals and keep going, even if there are setbacks.For more information about programs and services at the Warren County Health Department, call 636-456-7474.Get Healthy