The most immediate and effective changes in people's lives are controlled
by individuals themselves. By taking small, deliberate actions, individuals
can enjoy a higher quality of life. These small steps include:

 -- Be physically active. Strive for at least 30 minutes of physical
activity for adults and 60 minutes for children each day. Play and be active
as a family. Decrease time spent in sedentary activities such as watching
television.

 -- Eat a healthy diet. Consume 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables
each day. Consume fat and sugar in moderation.

 -- Educate yourself about health and risk factors for chronic diseases and
conditions such as obesity. Become a student of healthy habits. Learn what
constitutes a healthy diet and how to read and use food labels.

 -- Avoid risky behaviors. Limit alcohol intake. If you smoke, quit; if you
do not smoke, don't start.

 -- Know your family's health history, get needed immunizations and
vaccinations, and get recommended screenings including a pap smears and
mammograms for women, and colonoscopies for both men and women.

Get off your "fatty acids" and go play!

Leroy Fanning
Health and Human Performance