To kick off the first week of 2012, the Northwest Herald began an initiative to help you achieve the New Year's Resolution of being healthier. Throughout the week of January 1-7 we'll have articles and videos regarding exercise and healthy eating to help you get on the right foot.

A 36-year-old Pingree Grove woman has been named a Top 10 Transformation Nation Finalist as part of "The Dr. Oz Show" promotion, which challenges participants to lose weight and become healthier.
The day Don Zeh joined a gym, he had the letters “WP” tattooed on his wrist.
For those with a twofold resolution to both tighten their purse strings and narrow their belts a notch, there are more options to get in shape in 2012 without shelling out big bucks.
For some hardy souls in McHenry County, it’s never too cold to ride a bicycle.
PARKLAND, Fla. – Jean Nidetch ambles down the hallway of the senior community where she lives, two cups of Coca-Cola teetering on her walker. In her one-bedroom apartment, there are Klondike bars in the freezer and, in the fridge, Baileys Irish Cream beside Chinese take-out. If these don’t seem the trappings of the woman who founded Weight Watchers, don’t be alarmed. At 87, Nidetch has earned some allowances.
The holidays leave many of us exhausted and a few pounds heavier, so what can we do to beat stress and avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain? Adopt a stress-busting workout program.
CRYSTAL LAKE – Since retiring, 80-year-old Nick Oster has had two hips replaced and two shoulders redone.
It might take time to get into the habit of eating healthier – at least 21 days, actually.
Some people are yo-yo dieters. I seem to be a yo-yo exerciser.
If becoming healthier in the new year seems daunting, start with small steps.
The Paleo diet, named for its similarity to the diet eaten by our Paleolithic, hunter-gatherer ancestors, calls for lean meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and nixes dairy, grains, beans, added sugars and processed foods.
McHenry County health officials want to put the county’s growing overweight population on a diet.
Emily Klockenga of Springfield doesn't have to worry about getting enough sun during the long, dark winter. She hardly ever lets cold weather stop her workout.
Without enough iron, the body can become unhealthy and fatigued. While most people know that iron is an important part of their daily diet, they don’t always know where to get it. Here are the top 10 foods highest in iron, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Exercise trends have changed often through the decades, but beyond the workout gimmicks are creative options for getting fit