Jump Start January helps keep Niwot healthy

The start of a new year typically brings a fresh effort to make better habits. People take part in fitness programs, eat healthier, and set lifestyle improvement goals.

A community-wide New Year's focus on overall health, positive change and self-care? That's not so common, but it's taking place in Niwot.

The effort, called Jump Start January, was organized by the same local group of business owners that meet weekly on Wednesdays at The Niwot Tavern. In response to pandemic-related challenges, they brainstorm ways to make customers aware of what they have to offer and keep the community connected to each other.

The group, which was behind many of the community events at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween, believes that if 2021 is going to be better than last year, Niwot residents need to come together for businesses and for each other.

"Promoting everyone's health as a business, health for themselves, and health for their finances mean that we're all working together for the best outcome," said Deborah Fowler of Deborah Read Fowler Realty/Colorado Landmark Realtors.

Beginning Jan. 1, the group is offering a free pass with 31 activities that people can do to build healthy habits and the activity works almost like a fitness scavenger hunt.

Checking just five items off the list qualifies a pass holder to be entered into a prize drawing. Winners could receive a $100 gift certificate for Sante Day Spa, a $75 gift certificate for Niwot Massage, or a $50 gift certificate for Nourish and Company.

Activities on the Jump Start January pass involve the town as a whole. It includes purchasing material on health and wellness or diet and nutrition from Inkberry Books, buying a salad at Niwot Tavern, getting a financial checkup at Seven Wealth, and ordering a subscription to the Left Hand Valley Courier..

The idea is, what's good for individuals here is also good for the community and its businesses. As individuals get healthy, Niwot gets healthier too even while continuing to grapple with pandemic-related impacts and as people's individual health is threatened by the virus and related stressors.

It's possible the effort can boost immunity at a number of levels, keeping businesses and individuals healthy. "It's amazing positive vibes for the community. It's really just promoting positive energy and good vibes." said Fowler.

To keep things fun, Jump Start January is being run as a contest. People have until the end of the month to complete their cards and then turn them in at Fowler's offices.

Kristina Burgoon, assistant manager of the Niwot Inn and Spa, was active on the planning committee and passionate about the event. "It's an all-month long initiative to retain awareness in the community of what Niwot can offer, even during COVID times. So many of our businesses to get you in the mindset of having a better 2021.These things are going on not just all January long, but all through the year."

If the community will stay healthy, these New Year's changes need to stick around beyond January, both for individuals and businesses. In the end, 2021 can be a year of building habits that help everyone stay stronger for the long term.