Longview residents have a new way to look at health and wellness thanks to the city’s HealthyView initiative.

Through January, residents are invited to participate in the free community wellness initiative by taking part in wellness events, counting the number of steps they take monthly and tracking weight loss.

The program “encourages adult residents to explore a healthier lifestyle through movement, education, and community connection,” city officials said in a statement.

The initiative was started by the Parks and Recreation Department and Mayor Kristen Ishihara.

“The goal of HeathlyView is to encourage residents to live a healthy lifestyle and connect with active communities,” city spokesman Richard Yeakley said in a statement. “There are many ways to define health, and what’s right for one person might not be right for another, so this isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Participants are encouraged to approach the challenge in a way that works best for their own health goals.”

Participants will submit short forms each month that detail their participation in health and wellness classes offered as part of the program. Classes and events will be held by the Parks and Recreation Department and local businesses, some of which might charge a fee for participation.

Participants can earn 10 points for each class they attend, one point for each 1,000 steps they take and one point for each pound they lose. One male and one female participant will be selected randomly to win a prize each month, and the people with the most points by the end of the program will receive a $1,000 prize.

A celebratory run on the Boorman Trail will end the program, where winners will be recognized.

Participants must be 18 or older and complete and submit their monthly tracking forms online or on paper. People of all ability levels can participate, and the program is open to people with varying personal health goals.

For information, visit longviewtexas.gov/4448/HealthyView or call (903) 237-1270.