Ready for a fresh start? The Alaska Department of Health offers a free, flexible program to help you feel better in the New Year.

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Many of us want to feel better in some way.

I understand it through my work as Alaska’s chief medical officer, but I also understand it as an emergency room doctor. come to the emergency department if necessary. But when we talk and the tests come back, we find that they too have ongoing health concerns. I want to stop using tobacco.

2022 is over and 2023 is in sight. A new year is a chance for a new start that will change your life. For many of us, New Year’s Day is a time to commit to what we call resolutions, goals, or big plans for the coming year.

However, there is a challenge here. We’re excited to set these goals, but they can be tough to maintain beyond January.

The Alaska Department of Health launched a Fresh Start campaign to connect Alaskans to free programs. This program helps participants make changes to feel better at any time in their lives. These programs from freshstart.alaska.gov will help Alaskans reach their health goals, not just for her day or her month, but throughout the year.

These programs aren’t new, but they’re easier to find this year. These programs have been compiled into his one new web page at freshstart.alaska.gov. We do everything we can to ensure that the people of Alaska know about these programs.

Because these programs work, we have invested in making them available to the people of Alaska for free. They have helped many Alaskans lose weight. move more; lower blood sugar or blood pressure; or quit smoking, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. Thousands of Alaskans are already participating. For example, online weight loss programs have helped hundreds of Alaskans lose a total of over 4,500 pounds over the past three years.

Joining the Fresh Start program helps more Alaskans feel better. According to a recent analysis conducted by our health department, two out of three of her Alaskan adults are living with at least one of her chronic conditions or related behaviors such as smoking. was shown. I have worked with patients who have taken their health changes to heart and have turned their lives around. I no longer see them in the emergency department. These stories are very inspiring and I wish everyone in Alaska better health.

One of the reasons these programs work is that they are flexible. You can adjust them to work. I’ve heard it from people in Alaska who have attended online and phone programs because they can be at home or wherever they are. Several Alaskans shared stories of losing weight as working parents, as flight attendants on the go, or as shift workers in mines far from home.

These programs work because they frequently provide support. You may have tried to change your health before, but you felt lonely. Many of our programs match you with coaches for help and encouragement.

These programs work for small communities as well as large communities of Alaskans. Many Fresh Start programs can be done online or by phone.

If you’re ready for a fresh start in the new year, visit Fresh Start to find a free wellness program for yourself or someone you know.

It’s never too late.

you are not too old

You don’t have to do it alone.

It’s Allen’s story. This year, he shared a video of his experience with his Fresh Start. In their 70s, the Arctic denizens decided they were ready for a change. At age 74, Allen completed the Fresh Start program for weight loss and diabetes prevention. He attended a program offered by phone. Homer’s Allen coach called him regularly to give support and encouragement. In one year, he nearly lost his 60 pounds and brought his blood sugar down to a healthy level.

Allen knows the Fresh Start program can help more people in Alaska.

In a video about the program Allen said: It doesn’t cost you a cent. You have someone working with you to encourage you along the way. “

“This is the step I took to do something and it worked.”

We are happy to share Fresh Start with the people of Alaska. Even if you don’t need these programs yourself, chances are you know someone who might benefit from them. Let’s make 2023 a year of healthy change for all Alaskans.

Ready for a change? Visit freshstart.alaska.gov to find the perfect free program for you or someone you know.

Dr. Anne Zink, MDis a board-certified emergency physician and chief medical officer of the state of Alaska.

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