🌟 Welcome to a Healthy New Year!
January is a fresh start—a time to focus on small, positive steps that support your health and well-being. Living well doesn’t require expensive memberships or fancy equipment. With simple habits, free local resources, and community support, a healthier year is within reach for everyone.
❄ Winter Wellness in Utah
Cold weather can make it harder to stay active, but movement is still important for both body and mind. Easy ways to stay active this winter:
- Take short walks indoors or in hallways when it’s icy outside
- Stretch while watching TV or listening to music
- Use free online exercise videos (many are chair- or low-impact friendly)
Even 10 minutes at a time makes a difference!
🥣 Eating Well on a Budget
Healthy food doesn’t have to cost a lot. Winter is a great time for warm, filling meals that nourish your body. Budget-friendly nutrition tips:
- Choose oats, beans, rice, eggs, and frozen vegetables
- Make big batches of soups or stews and freeze leftovers
- Drink water often—staying hydrated helps energy and focus
Many Utah communities offer food pantries, SNAP benefits, and free nutrition classes—don’t hesitate to use these supports.
🧠 Mental Health Matters
The new year can bring stress, especially after the holidays. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Simple ways to care for your mind:
- Practice deep breathing for a few minutes each day
- Write down one thing you’re grateful for every morning
- Stay connected—call a friend, neighbor, or family member
If you need extra support, free and low-cost help is available through Utah Department of Health and Human Services and local community clinics.
💙 Make Small Goals That Stick
Big resolutions can feel overwhelming. Instead, try small, realistic goals, like:
- Walking three days a week
- Adding one vegetable to your meals each day
- Going to bed 15 minutes earlier
Celebrate progress, not perfection. Every step forward counts.
🤝 Community Corner: Look out for onsite wellness events, health screenings, or fitness classes in your housing community this month. Participating together builds stronger, healthier neighborhoods.
🌅 Here’s to a Healthier 2026
You deserve good health, peace of mind, and support. This January, be kind to yourself, take things one day at a time, and remember—you are not alone.
We wish you good health and much happiness.
JANUARY
RESOURCES
A few more resources for our
UNPHC EdX topic of the month:
Health & Wellness
Utah Department of Health & Human Services – Central hub for public health programs, Medicaid, eligibility info, disease prevention, and supportive services in Utah. (Department of Health and Human Services)
Utah Medicaid (Department of Workforce Services) – Official resource to apply for Medicaid and other health-related assistance in Utah (also available in Spanish).
211 Utah — Social, Health & Basic Needs Resource Finder – Free, statewide resource directory to find food help, health services (including community health clinics), housing, utilities, mental health support, and more. Available in Spanish.
Dial 211 on your phone or go to: https://211utah.org
Major state health and social service programs applicable to families and individuals in Utah:
Community Clinics & Low-Cost Care:
Utah Partners for Health – Nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) offering affordable medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, and behavioral health care across Utah with sliding fees or low costs.
Health Access Support & Insurance Enrollment:
Take Care Utah – A network that helps Utah residents access and enroll in health insurance, including Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace plans, with free assistance.
Health Choice Utah Community Resources – Lists many community health and social resource links, including WIC nutrition, Medicaid help, mental health crisis support, and community health centers.
Community Action Services and Food Bank – Utah nonprofit providing food assistance, community referrals, budgeting help, and connections to basic needs supports that impact overall health.
