CRESTVIEW — The University of Florida will be offering two opportunities for those looking to improve their quality of life for 2013.
In a press release from the UF Extension office, the college is offering a free online class called "Small Steps to Health and Wealth." The class will take place on January 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This course is going to offer "practical, doable steps to improve health and finances" for 2013. The course will also offer tools to help each participant reach those goals.
The Okaloosa County UF extension office is working with other extension offices on this program. To register for the class visit http://bit.ly/SmallSteps2013.
The extension office also suggested taking part in the Small Steps to Health and Wealth (SSHW) Challenge. Beginning on Jan. 13 through Feb. 23, a free six-week program from the New Jersey Extension office of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey office will challenge individuals who want to improve their health and finances for the new year.
Participants are encouraged to create a group of friends (which can include coworkers) to provide support and motivation, during the challenge.
Each participant is challenged to meet 10 recommended practices, including doing physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, and consuming at least two servings of whole grain foods.
On the financial side, some of the challenges include tracking personal finances throughout the day and eating lunch prepared from home (instead of eating out at a restaurant).
Points are awarded to each member who meets these and other goals. Prizes will also be awarded to the participant who reports the highest total goals. To register for the "Winter 2013 SSHW Challenge," visit the Rugters SSHW website at rutger.ancc.net.
For more information on these opportunities, contact Elaine Courtney at the Okaloosa UF Extension office at 683-8431, or email her at ecourtne@ufl.edu.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Extension office offers opportunities to improve 2013