American Idol Ruben Studdard, in concert with the State Department of Public Health, Barber Dairies and Alabama’s hospitals, are working together to help Alabamians be healthier in the New Year.

The goal of this program is to help Alabamians lose a total of 10 million pounds (5,000 tons) by March 2007.

Studdard will launch &uot;Scale Back Alabama,&uot; an eight-week weight loss campaign that will run from January to March.

While best known for his soulful ballads performed on the hit reality show, Studdard has also become an &uot;idol&uot; of sorts in the weight loss community for his dramatic loss of 85 pounds.

Success in this endeavor may well be more fruitful for Studdard, but for those who follow his example, it may be one of the best things they could do for themselves.

Getting one’s weight under control leads to better health and longer life, studies show. Obesity contributes to diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.

January is a great time to get focused on better health. We hope you’ll give this plan some consideration.

For more information, visit www.scalebackalabama.com.