The key to staying on the track toward good health and better fitness could lie in your email inbox. A behavior-changing program called Alive! will send you weekly emails filled with tips, information, and personalized goals that will keep you motivated and moving in your journey to better health.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded the development of the Alive! program.

This email-based lifestyle intervention program has been proven to effective in improving the dietary intake and physical activity levels of its participants.  It offers three plans from which you can choose to either increase your exercise level; increase your intake of fruits and vegetables; or change your diet by decreasing your consumption of sugars and "bad" fats (trans and saturated fats) toward one that is composed of "healthy" fats (mono- and polyunsaturated fats) and whole grains.  Each path will be followed for 12 weeks.

How it Works:

• Complete an initial questionnaire regarding your current diet and physical activity level.
• Alive! will help you to set personal goals related to your chosen path based on the results of the questionnaire.
• Receive customized weekly emails devoted to helping you achieve your goals and adhere to a healthy lifestyle.  You will also have access to interactive tools that will help you stay the course.

For more information about this program visit Alive!.

Note: Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.