With the daily crush of media coverage about obesity, weight, and health, it's easy for people to feel overwhelmed. But there are some very simple, concrete steps that can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of developing many chronic diseases. Visit HSPH's new website, The Obesity Prevention Source, and its Healthy Weight Checklist for straightforward tips on the best food, activity, and lifestyle choices for keeping weight in check.

Exercise is one of those rare things where the hype actually meets reality. Next to not smoking, getting regular physical activity is arguably the best thing you can do for your health. It lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, and also can help control stress and boost mood. Plus, if moderate to vigorous, physical activity helps keep weight in check. Best of all? It doesn't take marathon training to see real health gains. A 30-minute brisk walk on five days of the week is all most people need.   

Cutting back on "sit" time is just as important as increasing "fit" time. Some ways to get you off your seat: Turn off the television and catch up on chores or play with the kids. Stroll down the hall to chat with a colleague instead of sending an email or picking up the phone. Walk or bike for errands instead of driving.

Read the full article on staying active.

Read why Harvard's Healthy Eating Plate includes a reminder to stay active.

1. Choose activities you like. A lot of different things count as exercise: dancing, walking, gardening, playing basketball. Choose whatever gets you moving.

 

2. Try a pedometer. Pedometers help you keep track of how active you are. Build up to 7,000 steps a day--or more.

3. Piece your workout together. You don't need to get all your exercise at once. Ten minutes morning, noon, and night can give much of the same benefit as s 30 minute workout. 

4. Exercise with a friend. Finding a workout partner can help keep you on track and motivate you to get out the door.
    

 5. Take lunch on the move. Don't spend your lunch time sitting. Grab a quick meal and hit the gym or go for a walk with coworkers.