GET THE FACTS

The Issue

It's hard to stay in shape these days. Our entire lives are built around driving cars, eating on the run, and spending our free time relaxing in front of the TV or computer.

• We live in neighborhoods without sidewalks.
• We are surrounded by high calorie and high fat foods.
• We drive more than we walk or ride bikes.

All of these factors may contribute to the fact that 2 out of every 3 Americans are now overweight or obese -- defined as having a body mass index over 25 -- and that number is rising. While this problem is widely recognized as a public health crisis, we don't have nearly enough information about realistic ways that regular people can actually change their lives and bodies. For many of us, a vigorous workout regimen or restrictive diet is just not possible.

At the same time, we want to be healthy not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. We all know that if we don't follow established healthy eating patterns and if we continue to decrease our activity levels, we won't be able to stay healthy.

The truth is that even small changes in your life will add up to big results -- and you can build on small successes to see change. That is why we have developed the Small Steps program. We realize that you are pressed for time and that your lifestyle makes it difficult to be active and healthy.

But that's not a reason to give up.

Instead, we encourage you to:

• Integrate better eating habits into your life.
• Integrate better activity habits into your life.
• Set realistic goals.
• Take small steps to meet them.

We offer the tools and information you need to live longer and become a healthier, happier you.