Those of us who make New Year’s resolutions know that the hard part isn’t making the resolution, it’s sticking to it.  Health resolutions are SO important - about 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented if women maintained a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise, avoided tobacco products and got recommended cancer screenings.  Yet we know that the majority of women put others before themselves and that does not bode well for sticking to a healthy lifestyle.

This year the American Cancer Society wanted to design a program to help women stick to their healthy resolutions.  The Choose You program helps women put their health first and stick to their health commitments by offering social support and financial incentives that have been proven to create long-term behavior change.  Want to check it out and get started?

All you have to do is log onto ChooseYou.com and sign up to make a commitment.   As an extra incentive, women who make a new Choose You Commitment between December 27 and January 31 will be eligible to enter the ‘New Year, Choose You!’ sweepstakes for a chance to win health-related prizes, such as a trip to LA to meet with a personal trainer, spa gift certificates and more.  Keep reading to learn how you can win a Workout Prize Pack here to start you on your way to a healthy lifestyle!

Personally, I plan on committing to exercising three times per week, EVERY WEEK!  My husband and I have began the Kettleworx program again and I have to admit that it's fun working out with him.  We definitely help to keep each other motivated and we haven't missed a workout yet!  It's much better exercising with a buddy, rather than exercising alone.

Now, if I ever want to skip a day, I feel guilty because I would be causing him to skip a day too.  Sticking to our exercise plan is much easier than feeling bad all day long for missing a workout.  The great news is, that after only three weeks, I already can tell a big difference in my energy level and feel much stronger too.

I've also registered with the "Choose You" program from the American Cancer Society, for it is a wonderful source of information as well as just another way to be held accountable and stick to your goals.  I love the workout kit, ladies tee and lapel pin I was sent as well, for these also help to keep me excited about getting healthy and putting my health first.

The workout kit is a terrific way to exercise anywhere at all.  It includes a resistance band with molded handle grips, jump rope and pedometer.  The mesh storage bag features a cinch closure to keep contents secure during travel and an outer pocket too. The included multi-function pedometer displays your calories burned, steps taken and distance traveled in miles/kilometers.

The light blue ladies tee has the "Choose You" flower design on the front and logo on the back.  It is super soft and very comfortable to wear while exercising.  Finally, the lapel pin serves as a constant reminder that you have chosen to put yourself first and choose a healthier lifestyle.

I have to admit that I was absolutely shocked to discover that 50% of deaths due to cancer are preventable.  I wanted to incorporate an exercise program into my life, for I am guilty of putting too many things before my own health and wanted to do much better.  Please join me this year in "Choose You" and make 2011 the year you make healthier choices too.  YOU ARE DEFINITELY WORTH IT!  :)

Disclosure:  I received a Workout Kit, Ladies Tee and Lapel Pin from The American Cancer Society in order to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received. This product review is based on my own personal experiences with this item and is completely honest and objective.