Mike Williams / L’Observateur / December 20, 2000

We can’t control everything about our health. Good health is a gift. However,everyday we make choices that can affect our health.

The accumulated effects of the American lifestyle – fast pace, high stress, high fat fast and junk food diet and lack of exercise all combine over a period of years to work against good health.

If American as a whole maintained more healthy lifestyles, health care expenses could be reduced by billions each year. Health insurance premiumscould be drastically reduced.

These tips from the medical community bear repeating at least one more time:

Don’t smoke. The American Heart Association warns that smoking doublesthe risk of heart attack.

Eat healthier. Reduce most fats, eat more fruit and fiber.

Pay attention to your blood pressure. High pressure is the real threat.Don’t ignore it.

Exercise regularly. If you not at risk to exercise, get busy. Walking or lightaerobic exercise has multiple effects.

Take your health seriously. You can save on health care costs while improvingyour quality of life.

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