By Josh Shannon jshannon@newarkpostonline.com

Standing before an array of exercise machines and equipment at Fusion Fitness Center, owner Nic DeCaire welcomed the people who had come out to show their support at the kickoff event for the “31 Days to a Healthier You” campaign on Thursday afternoon.

This social media campaign is an effort by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and the Division of Public Health to help Delawareans make small changes to their daily routine that will add up to a healthier lifestyle overall.

“During the ‘31 Days to a Healthier You’ campaign, I challenge you to figure out what is important to you when it comes to your health,” DeCaire said. “I mean getting off medication, being able to walk up the stairs at work or just being able to play on the floor with your grandchildren. Whatever your goal is, keep it simple and keep it real.”

The campaign will make use of sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube, Flickr and Instagram to post activity ideas, information about nutrition, resources for how to quit smoking, healthy recipes, tips on health screenings and words of encouragement.

Among those who spoke at the kickoff event were Gov. Jack Markell, Mayor Polly Sierer, DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf and Michael Molaski, a member of Fusion Fitness who lost 50 pounds over seven months through better fitness and nutrition.

In show of her support for the campaign, Sierer announced that she had become a member of Fusion Fitness and invited the community to follow her progress over the next month.

Markell reiterated the idea emphasized by other speakers that small steps can lead to big differences.

“All you have to do is start with something small,” Markell said. “And if it means you starting with a 15 minute walk tomorrow, it’s going to feel good. And that doesn’t mean you have to run a mile the next day. Take it at your pace.”

Source: http://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/article_68086927-013b-5bc2-bee0-195edca5f63d.html