To your health!

January is upon us, and you know what that means: It’s resolution time. How many lists include getting healthier by taking better care of ourselves in the coming year? I know mine does.

Most health care in Chico and Butte County is inherently local. Sure, some people opt to drive to UC Davis for their medical care, but for the most part people tend to stay close to home when seeking care for their bodies and minds. In addition, most health-care providers—including Enloe Medical Center—are local businesses.

That’s why this issue of our monthly local-business tab is a little different from the ones that have preceded it. Rather than highlighting businesses or people who are putting out quality products or services with the local economy in mind, we’ve chosen to take a look at a few providers our readers may not know about.

Acupuncturists, for example, are popular for a certain segment of the population, but how many Chicoans have chronic pain and have never considered visiting The Vitamin Fox or Adam Moes’ Acupuncture and Herbs? The ancient Eastern medicine might not be for everyone, but perhaps there is a cure for that backache that some readers haven’t considered.

We can’t forget the impact the economy has had on health care, either. Many people are having trouble paying for it. So we take a peek at the Shalom Free Clinic, a wonderful nonprofit organization that helps locals take care of their medical needs, sans insurance or payment of any kind. Also check out our list of additional low- or no-cost health-care options in Butte County on page 7.

Whatever your economic situation, health is always a priority. As we usher in 2010, we at the CN&R wish you and yours a healthy, happy new year.