Dr. Daniel Sullivan, Cleveland Clinic Director in Solon, Talks Healthy Solon

As health care costs rise, of the Cleveland Clinic said the best way to tackle health issues is through prevention, not treatment.

Enter Healthy Solon, a nine-week fitness and wellness program designed to put people better in touch with their own wellness and teach ways to live a healthier lifestyle.

The program kicks off Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at . The weekly programs for the next eight weeks will be Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The program is free and open to residents 18 and older. To register, send an email to healthysolon@ccf.org with the subject line “Wellness Experience Program.”

Sullivan, who directs the Cleveland Clinic's , said the program will be a great way for Solon residents to start 2012 on a healthy note.

"We know if we make efforts to improve the health of our community, it's a win for our community and a win for public health," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the program -- which uses a combination of exercise activities, health screenings and talks -- uses a "team approach" to offer people a chance for a big turnaround in their health lives.

He said its part of the proactive approach to health care the Clinic is championing.

"As physicians, we are trained to treat illnesses, but the enormous challenge is financing health care long term," he said.

More Health Solon Coverage: Starting next Monday, Solon Patch will feature more information one each of Healthy Solon's programs for that week.