Step Up Scale Down: Kick off new decade with healthier you

Step Up Scale Down start s Jan. 6 online. (Photo courtesy Step Up Scale Down)

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering its Step Up Scale Down program online. Registration is open for the 12-week course, which will begin Jan. 6. Cost is $40.

Step Up Scale Down is a research-based program designed to help participants achieve and maintain a healthier weight in just three months.

“This is a great resource for people wanting to make healthy dietary and lifestyle changes,” said Carissa Wilhelm, AgriLife Extension program specialist for Healthy Texas, Dallas. “Each Monday a new course is posted online that participants can access at their convenience.”

The program follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines. It focuses on forming habits to promote health and reduce the risk for chronic disease.

“We want to provide all Texans the tools they need to live healthier lives, and we realize that online learning is a platform that many people prefer, be it because of busy schedules or the convenience of not having to meet with a group weekly in person,” said Wilhelm. “However, we also realize that people learn differently, so Step Up Scale Down is also available at AgriLife Extension offices in counties across Texas.”

People who would prefer to participate in a face-to-face version of the Step Up Scale Down program may contact their local AgriLife Extension county agent here.

AgriLife Extension has online learning courses that cover a wide variety of topics, from food and nutrition to agriculture and 4-H. The online platform allows registered users to access the information or course materials they need 24/7.

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Susan Himes

Susan Himes is a writer and media relations specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife. She writes news releases and features from science-based information generated by the agency. She also covers human interest stories and events across the state.