“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
– Oprah Winfrey
Welcome to our January update!  
Wendy Gammons, MIIA Wellness/Health Promotion Manager  

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions. Not because I don’t believe in positive changes, but I think you can make changes throughout the year and there is no need to save it all up for one month. However, January is a nice time to think about what you hope to accomplish in the coming year. Some people may have challenging goals, like running a marathon for the first time or losing 20 pounds. These are wonderful goals to work towards, but it’s important not to lose sight of smaller goals, too. You can make a goal to embrace small acts of kindness throughout the year. Like, chatting with the grocery store worker while you are checking out. Or, shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk or watering a friend’s plants when they go on vacation. Let’s keep an eye on big and small goals alike this year – always striving to do our best!

The Well Aware Self-Directed Activity Challenges
Now there are TWO ways to earn gift cards while staying fit and well! Find our Wellbeing Smorgasbord and Webinar Buffet in each Monthly Newsletter like Move Better with Mobility and Dig Into Diets: Do they Work? We offer a variety of exercise, diet and wellbeing activities in self-directed and webinar formats. Each program includes educational information, tips and strategies. Only MIIA/Blue Cross subscribers are eligible for $125 worth of gift cards.
Program of the Month
Move Better with Mobility
10-day Self-Directed Activity Starting January 10
How well do you move from one position to another? Is it easy? Difficult? Do you feel any pain? With this program you’ll learn how to move better and with less pain. Discover how you can improve your mobility with simple, quick exercises. All exercises can be done at home and don’t require any equipment. Earn cool prizes as well.
Webinar of the Month
Dig Into Diets: Do They Work?
With the start of a new year many of us set a goal to lose weight and eat more healthfully. But there are so many diets out there! How do you know if you should follow a diet and if so, which diet? We have put together a short video that reviews the pros and cons of the most popular diets, so you can decide if one makes sense for you. Available January 1 through 31.
Five Things to Know About the Health of Your Gut
Al Lewis, found of Quizzify
There are perhaps 1,000 species of microorganisms, that were once thought harmless or irrelevant, in our bodies. Turns out they are actually beneficial. The vast majority of these “probiotics” reside in your small and particularly large intestines, collectively known as ‘the gut microbiome.” Learn how to take care of your gut microbiome, so it will take care of you.

Did You Know, You Are Not Alone?
MindWise Innovations
Are you or a loved one suffering from depression? Getting treatment does help! Please click the below link for more information on how to take the first steps towards receiving treatment for depression.
Make You Future Brighter
Good Health Gateway Diabetes Care
For those living with pre-diabetes or any type of diabetes, New Year’s is a great time to reflect on how well you’ve been managing your diabetes and ways to make small changes that will add up to big benefits for your health in the years to come. Learn more about MIIA's Good Health Gateway program to help you manage your diabetes.
Recipe of the Month
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ambitious Kitchen
These are a healthy and filling breakfast to grab in the morning as you head out the door. They are gluten-free too!
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