The holiday season brings joy – but it doesn’t have to bring unwanted pounds. Whether it's your mom's eggnog or Aunt Judy's homemade holiday cookies, it can be tough to pass up those favorite holiday foods you taste only once a year. After all, ’tis the season to indulge, right?

Before you reach for that next gingerbread cookie, think about this: Extra pounds can affect more than your ability to fit into your holiday party apparel – being overweight can also increase your risk for cancer and other diseases. This holiday season, choose to put your health first. To stay well, the American Cancer Society recommends:

Each month, the Family Wellness Center offers free membership to all employees of a local business.  This offer has been extended to Ohio County Schools for the month of August.  Contact the Family Wellness Center to sign up - 298-4500.

Hancock County ranked 11th on the list of healthiest Kentucky Counties according to the 2012 County Health Rankings

Oldham County has the healthiest residents in Kentucky and Owsley County has the least healthy residents, according to the third annual rankings released by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

Hancock County scored highest among those in the 14 News' viewing area, ranking 11th in the Commonwealth.  Ohio County was 46h but  McLean County was 93rd among the 120 counties in Kentucky.