The chief medical officer for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System says people should consider ringing in the new year by giving up meat.

Dr. Terry Mason says people with health issues often need what he calls "TLC" - a total lifestyle change. One possible move is a "meat fast" for 30 days.

Mason says a meat fast can jump start changes that lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure and better health.

The hospital system is also holding a series of group meetings in January as part of the Restart4Health program.