A. How much walking does it take to make a difference in my health?

Any physical activity is better than none. Start with moving about your own home. Ideally you will work up to 20-30 minutes 4-5 times each week

Visit the section of this Web site on physical activity to find out what is best for you and why: www.healthyliving.bsu.edu?

American Heart Association: Just Move Site:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2155

B. Is swimming and running as good for me as walking?

Walking, running and swimming burn off calories and strengthen your heart and lungs. Swimming does not strengthen your bones, however. Walking and running, as well as biking, are weight-bearing exercises. Swimming is a non-weight bearing exercise. Lift weights is another non-weight-bearing exercise.

C. What is the best diet to lose weight?

If you want to lose weight safely and keep it off, first consult with a registered dietician. Your health care provider can recommend one.

Then eat the appropriate-sized servings of the food recommended by the dietician. These foods will some from all food groups in smaller amounts than you presently consume. For most people, drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day and ingesting adequate fiber are also important to lose weight safely and consistently.

Low carb, high protein, low fat diets will cause you to lose weight initially but are hard to maintain over time without causing other undesirable changes in your body, such as elevating your risk for heart disease.

Link to health eating home page

D. Should I become a vegetarian?

Some people choose to eat only vegetables and fruits because of personal beliefs or concerns about health. There are different types of vegetarians. Vegetarians can live healthily, if they make their food choices wisely. For guidance, go to:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4777

E. I feel sad a lot. What can I do to feel better?

Talk to your health care provider. You may benefit from talking with a helping professional about your feelings. You may benefit from medication. Sadness steals our energy and focus in life. It can be normal for awhile, but any prolonged instance (more then two months) may mean that a conversation with your physician, nurse or therapist could help.

Link to coping with stress home page

F. I need to quit smoking. What helps?

To live healthy, you must stop smoking. One year after you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease is reduced by one-half! Here are tow resources to begin:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4731

How to quit Smoking in the 21 st Century:

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/104/11/e51