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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, (608) 266-1683
EATING RIGHT, STAYING FIT CAN HELP YOU WEATHER TOUGH
TIMES
March is National Nutrition Month
MADISON—State health officials are reminding everyone that eating
right and staying fit are important no matter one's age, and especially
during stressful times, such as an economic downturn.
"It's tempting to eat inexpensive fast food and to forget about
exercise when we are facing difficult times," said Dr. Seth Foldy,
State Health Officer. "People need to realize that healthy food is
not necessarily expensive. Sticking to healthy food choices and adding
physical activity to your daily routine can be good for your mind and
body. Doing both can improve your mood and your health from the very first
day you begin changing your lifestyle for the better."
Poor diet and inactive lifestyles lead to being overweight and obesity,
which increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2
diabetes.
The Department shared the following suggestions to get started:
- Find affordable healthy food for your family. Many Wisconsin
families can get help with free or reduced price food. The FoodShare
and WIC programs help thousands of people buy the food they need for
good health. See if you are eligible at www.access.wi.gov.
- Make your calories count. Eat a colorful variety of fruits and
vegetables, whole-grain foods, low-fat dairy products, lean meats and
fish. These provide protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and other
nutrients with fewer calories. Use www.mypyramid.gov
to develop a personal plan and help you make smart food and beverage
choices for lifelong health.
- Add simple physical activity. Regular physical activity, which can
start as simply as walking more, is important for your overall health
and fitness. Adults should try to get at least 30 minutes of physical
activity every day, and children should get at least 60 minutes. Try
taking the stairs or parking at the far end of the parking lot to give
yourself a boost!
- Eat "local." Visit your local farmers market or join the
trend of growing your own fruits and vegetables at home or in a
community garden. It's satisfying and educational.
"Healthy habits, policies and environments improve your quality of
life immediately and in the long term, while also reducing health care
costs for everyone," Foldy said.
Learn more by visiting the Department's Nutrition, Physical Activity
and Obesity Prevention Program webpage at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/physicalactivity/
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Last Revised: July 12, 2010 |
