I often hear stories of how 40% or more of Americans are either overweight, hypertensive, and/or borderline diabetic. By the way, it is often said that we Americans smoke too much or use smokeless tobacco at an alarming rate. Also, they say we eat loads of processed foods and foods high in calories, fat, and sodium. I'm just getting started -- we are also accused of exercising too little, or having no plans to exercise at all.

So what does it mean to be fit? Well, being fit involves doing the following: getting a proper amount of sleep (at least 6-8 hours); exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes or more, working on cardiovascular, muscular strength, and endurance; cutting back on the use of smoke and smokeless tobacco; and paying attention to food portions as well as the calories, fat and sodium content. By the way, did I mention that high intake of processed foods has been categorized as unhealthy also? Eating vegetables and foods that are organic and heart-healthy is a good thing.

Now, these things are more easily said than done, so how can we get on track? First of all, start off with a physical from a medical provider, and then I suggest you get a health/fitness assessment from a fitness trainer to identify your starting point for a training plan.

Please keep in mind that a positive attitude and strong motivation will help you while you're trying to get fit in this process.

Being active and engaging in some sort of physical movement can also assist in physical fitness.

Our country is becoming besieged with people who are not fit making them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other medical problems, such as cancer and back problems.

Just remember, we can beat these diseases and ailments by staying active, eating right, and getting an adequate amount of sleep every day.

I challenge you to make your health a priority and fitness apart of your everyday routine!