OCALA,Fla.—A new year is a great time for a fresh start, and likely, many are planning New Year’s resolutions at this moment. And if you are like most residents, your top resolutions may involve health.

According to a 2015 Nielsen report, “Staying fit and healthy,” “lose weight” and “enjoy life to the fullest,” are the top three most common new year’s resolutions. Fortunately for Marion County residents, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County has some helpful programs and suggestions to help them reach their goals in the months ahead.

-       The department hosts regular fitness classes open to the public each week. These would be a great first step toward new health goals! On Jan. 2, Jan. 16 and Jan. 30 from 5:15 to 6 p.m., locals can dance their way to fitness in a cardio dance class. On Jan. 10 and Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., people can focus on strength and overall health in a full body fitness class. All classes are held in the Department of Health Auditorium. Contact Jessie Driggers at 352-644-2624 for more information.

-       Getting sick makes you put everything else on pause. Get your flu shot today to stay in good health and on track to tackle your 2018 goals. Check with your physician, your county health department, or use the Flu Shot Locator to schedule your flu vaccine.

-       Be proactive for the longterm by getting the HPV vaccination for yourself (or a loved one) if you (or they) are between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). About one in four people in the U.S. are currently affected by the virus per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). While most infections go away on their own with a few years, the infections can linger and lead to particular types of cancer and other diseases. The CDC estimates that 30,700 cases of cancer in men and women each year can be attributed to HPV.

-       Take a health baseline to see what your risk areas could be. Did you know 1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes? Most of those who are affected don’t realize it yet. Visit https://doihaveprediabetes.org/ to take the risk test and find out how to press forward on the path to good health. For information on upcoming diabetes classes, please contact Demi Danso-Odei at 352-644-2618.

-       Eat your way to health by choosing healthy foods from all of the colors of the rainbow, particularly ones Fresh from Florida. Visit https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/s/ to find out what’s in season and discover healthy recipes to tantalize the palette.