The Holiday Challenge is a fun way to help Sampson County residents avoid holiday weight gain. Everyone can participate Those with a few pounds to lose can join, and those who have already lost weight and are looking to keep it off, as well as those who are already at a healthy weight.

During the Holiday Challenge which runs from Nov. 23 through Dec. 3, a six week program, participants will receive practical tips, recipes and other information to help them successfully navigate their way through the holiday season.

Registration is free and easy with a valid email address. Beginning on Nov.1, participants can sign up at www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com. Each participant enters their email address and completes a brief confidential survey. Participant information is kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone for any reason.

What are the Holiday Challenge Components?

Participants receive a free weekly electronic newsletter from Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina filled with the information and tools needed to avoid holiday weight gain. The newsletter features practical tips, articles and a weekly healthy recipe. Also included are links to blog entries highlighting a participant and his/her particular challenges and successes over the holidays.

In addition, participants can download and print activity logs, weight logs and food diaries from www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com to help them track their progress.

For more information contact Veronica Murphy, Public Health Educator II, at the Sampson County Health Department at 592-1131, Casey Stevens, Extension Agent at NC Cooperative Extension at 910.592.7161 or go to www.scpfhc.org