Wednesday, February 27, 2002

New health guide offers tips, debunks myths

Every year we tell ourselves that we're going to lose weight, quit smoking and get in shape, and by mid-year, those resolutions are tossed out the window.

Quitting smoking can be difficult due to the physical and mental addiction, and you will need to address both aspects to be successful. And since many Americans are sedentary or have developed bad habits, such as eating when they're depressed, losing weight and exercising can be the most demanding resolutions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that obesity is becoming more of a problem in the United States than ever before. "In the United States, obesity has risen at an epidemic rate during the past 20 years. Research indicates that the situation is worsening rather than improving."

The CDC also lists many conditions as health risks associated with obesity, including:

High blood pressure.

High blood cholesterol.

Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.

Hyperinsulinemia.

Coronary heart disease.

Congestive heart failure.

Stroke.

Obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory problems.

Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon).

Complications of pregnancy.

Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities, infertility and irregular ovulation).

Bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence).

Psychological disorders (such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image and low self esteem).

Add to this staggering list the deaths associated with smoking. According to the CDC, 47 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes. Smoking is responsible for more than 430,000 (one in every five deaths) deaths each year and kills more people than AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, car crashes, murders, suicides and fires combined.

If you've thought about getting in shape and leading a healthier life, this is the time to exercise, lose weight and quit smoking. You can keep those New Year's resolutions with simple steps and help from the American Heart Association's (AHA) new book, "To Your Health! A Guide to Heart-Smart Living."

The AHA's new book is an informative look at why fad diets don't work, what does work, and success stories to keep you motivated. Acting as both a guidebook and workbook, "To Your Health!" concentrates on four steps that simplify making life changes:

Taking stock of your life.

Discovering what you really want.

Uncovering your personal barriers.

Starting a simple plan you can live with.

Rebecca Mullis, Ph.D., head of the University of Georgia Food and Nutrition Department, explains that we most often fail to keep resolutions when we use the wrong tools.

"Every one of us has our own unique ways to succeed," said Mullis. "We have to find something we can and want to do to get ourselves moving in the right direction. Telling people who don't like broccoli that they have to eat it will guarantee that they fail eventually. This book doesn't give concrete rules, it's about choices."

Whether it's breaking through the 10 biggest exercise excuses, discovering eight reasons to lose weight and 10 secrets to keep it off, or beating the 14 most common smoking triggers, there are tips to help conquer every vice. Along with tips, each chapter features self-tests quizzes that help people discover what causes them to backslide and what can drive them to succeed.

One man's lifelong struggle with weight loss expresses the most important point about taking control of your life and making it a healthier one. "I and I alone am responsible for my size," says Ralph, an overweight child and obese adult. "I determine my own fate."

You can lose weight, start exercising and quit smoking if you want to make those choices. "To Your Health!" will help you to stay focused and succeed in your health goals. "To Your Health! A Guide to Heart-Smart Living" is available from general retailers and booksellers.

For more information about the American Heart Association, visit its Web site at www.americanheart.org.