Most of the readers of our blog agree with Dr. Cooper's frequently repeated message, "It is easier to maintain good health through proper exercise, diet, and emotional balance than it is to regain it once it is lost." The students who come to our classes, the community and school educators who disseminate our messages, and the men and women who volunteer for our research studies all seem to get it. A healthy lifestyle isn't always easy, there are no magic bullets or quick fixes, but day after day of healthy food and physical activity choices sure makes you feel good! But what makes you different than the millions of Americans who don't practice healthy habits? Who or what motivated you to choose health? This Thanksgiving, give thanks to that person (or event). And beyond that, vow to make that impact on at least one other person's life. 

Research shows over and over that Americans are just not making the key lifestyle choices that impact health. In January (2010) the American Heart Association (AHA) initiated a campaign to guide people toward "ideal cardiovascular health." Their "Life's Simple Seven" consist of:

  1. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week.
  2. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 25.
  3. Being a nonsmoker for at least one year.
  4. Meeting four out of the five AHA key components for a healthy diet.
  5. Keeping cholesterol below 200 mg/dL.
  6. Maintaining blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg.
  7. Having a fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL.

This week, at AHA's annual scientific conference researchers presented results of a nationwide study that determined that of 17,820 adults (ages 45-84) only two met all seven of the criteria above - TWO! As a long-time health educator I realize that "Life's Simple Seven" are not "simple" for everyone. But, wow, I didn't realize they were that unachievable!

So what can you do to help? Give your friends and family members the support they need. Listen; share your experiences making the change to a healthy lifestyle; give them ideas for being active outside and inside when the weather's bad; share healthy recipes; go out and take a daily walk with them; call or email them daily and be their cheerleader; watch their child for an hour so they can go to the gym. The possibilities are endless and you can make a difference. And if "Life's Simple Seven" are too overwhelming, recommend they start with our previously blogged about "Fantastic Four"!