JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Now that Santa is on his way, does your cholesterol also need to climb down the chimney? Perhaps your belly is like a bowl full of jelly?

Santa won’t put you on the naughty list for sneaking a sugar cookie, but he does want to bring you tidings of great health this year.

The New Year, New You wellness challenge begins Sunday, Jan. 6. For eight weeks, NYNY helps Jamestown and the surrounding communities put a little more “Dasher” and “Dancer” in their holiday season.

“We are surrounded by treats and good food during the holiday, so making healthy choices can be tricky,” said Madeline Ranum, JRMC cardiopulmonary rehab coordinator. “New Year New You is a great way to kick off 2019 with a fresh start.”

The challenge costs $10 and includes a free water bottle and jump rope. Every year, about 350 people participate through their employers, churches, families or other groups.

This year, NYNY is more customized. In 2019, participants can focus on the goals that mean most to them.

As in the past, challenge participants earn points for diet and exercise. In addition, participants earn points for improving their mental health, social health and obtaining recommended preventative care.

New to 2019 NYNY are healthy recipes, Better Me Bingo during the last four weeks of the challenge and weekly workout video demonstrations.

Team leaders are asked to tally the points each week and submit by 8 a.m. on the following Tuesday. Details regarding challenges as well as each week’s results will be available in The Jamestown Sun and on www.jrmcnd.com/nyny.

Teams compete against one another to become the fittest, healthiest team in the community.

“The great news is, everyone who creates a new healthy habit is a winner,” Ranum said.

Register your team at https://jrmcnd.com/nyny/. Registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 28.

For more information, contact Ally Knudtson at allison.knudtson@jrmcnd.com or at (701) 952-5301.