We're are looking at staying healthy and what Alaska's First People are doing to help members of their community.

Alaska Natives have some of the highest rates of what are called lifestyle diseases in the country. But now a local Native health group is trying to break that cycle and turn those numbers around.

Alisa Gilbert tries to get out moving every day—even if it is just a quick break from her desk. She knows how important it is for Alaska Natives to make health a priority.

"We have diabetes rates that are just incredible. And you know that has a lot to do with lifestyle and a lot do with diet. And so we see these emerging trends of higher diabetes. The cancer rate is another situation. We have extremely high cancer rates and a lot of that is attributed to lifestyle," said Director of Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation, Alisa Gilbert.

Gilbert is director of the Healthy Alaska Native Foundation, a non-profit that for the last month has been challenging people in the community with a 30-day wellness program called N.O.W.

N.O.W. stands for Nation of Wellness. The idea is to provide Alaska Natives with a peek at healthy lifestyle choices, everything from palates and yoga classes, to demonstrations on cooking light and eating right.

"Small changes make a huge difference, 100 calories can be 10 pounds in a year, and half a soda or candy bar, just eliminating something small like that," said fitness instructor, Nina Perino.

Lanie Fox has been sampling the free classes every day and encouraging her colleagues to take part.

"I've seen people who haven't participated in any exercise program, come learn healthy activities. But for the most part, they feel so refreshed and alive. So encouraging people to take that first step," said Chairman of N.O.W. Event, Lanie Fox.

Gilbert says the program will soon go statewide, and after that across the country. She says the approach may be slightly different in different communities, but the goal of good health is the same.

"Find something that works for them. And this is really what the Nation of Wellness campaign is all about: find what works for you and make it work," said Gilbert.

The 30-day challenge ends with a big family run and walk this weekend. That's on Saturday, June 28, 2008. All of the proceeds go to the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation. If you'd like to sign up, you can find information by clicking below:

To contact Lauren, call 907-273-3186.