New Year, New You: Do the Louisiana 2 Step

The countdown to 2013 is officially over and for many, it's time to start tackling their New Year's resolutions. At the top of the list for many is a healthier year.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is making it easy for you to achieve this year's goal, and all it takes is 2 steps.
The Louisiana 2 Step began in 2007 as a web-based initiative. It's an inter-active site that is easy to navigate and offers a number of tools and resources to users-and our state can benefit from this program.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Louisiana currently ranks 49th in the state for self-reported obesity.
Alice Womble is the Community Wellness Administrator at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. She says the Louisiana 2 Step is perfect for people who are trying to get motivated to work out because "there is something different for everyone" at every level of fitness, whether they are new to physical fitness, or a work-out pro.
But getting active can be difficult.
Heather Binyon is a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness on Shreveport-Barksdale and has several clients who are hesitant to take the first steps towards physical activity. Binyon says "people can often be intimidated by the gym".
One person who knows the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is Joseph Harper. Harper says he "works out because it makes him feel good".
Binyon says that incorporating healthy habits makes sustaining a healthy lifestyle easier. She often encourages her clients to prepare meals in advance so that they have healthy options readily available. Another way you can ensure success in the kitchen-steer clear of the sugar-filled isles at the grocery store.
There's also strength in numbers. Having a buddy to work out with is another method of motivation and the Louisiana 2 Step's website allows you to sign up as a team.
Take control of 2013 by taking the two small steps to better health: eat right and move more.
Follow the link to sign-up for the Louisiana 2 Step.