For the holidays, my in-laws gave us a plaque on which "The ABC's of Life" are inscribed. The plaque's sentiment inspired me to develop a set of ABC's for a life full of health and fitness. These little lessons are great reminders that we need to assume responsibility for our own well-being by actively incorporating healthy habits into our lives daily.

As a child I assumed that adulthood meant an end to learning and evolving as an individual. As an adult, I realize that personal growth has no end. As you embark on a new year, resolve to adopt a life strategy that boasts a healthful return.

The ABC's of a Healthy and Fit Life:

• Always strive to be healthy
• Balance your workouts to include aerobic endurance, strength, and flexibility exercises
• Cardiovascular fitness protects against many chronic diseases
• Dare to challenge yourself
• Eat a varied, nutrient-dense diet
• Find ways to make exercise fun
• Give yourself a day off to allow your body to repair and rebuild
• Health is not just a physical state, but a frame of mind
• Intake of calories should equal energy expended
• Justify taking time to exercise
• Keep focused on your short- and long-term goals
• Listen to your body
• Manage stress
• Never give up
• Overcome life's obstacles with a strong social network/support system
• Plan for contingencies
• Question healthcare products that sound "too good to be true"
• Respect yourself for who you are
• Schedule physical activity into your daily routine
• Take one day at a time
• Understand that change is a process
• Visit your doctor annually
• Walking is the simplest and easiest form of exercise for most individuals
• X is the Roman numeral for 10 - as little as 10 minutes of exercise, 3 times a day will bring health benefits
• Yesterday's obstacle can become today's springing board
• Zero excuses to not increase your physical activity