To control weight and minimize other food-related health problems, all of us need to become knowledgeable about nutrition. Although Americans are more concerned about eating healthfully today than in the past, the abundance of conflicting, misleading, or outright false information about diet can be bewildering. Chap ter 5, The Basics of Good Nutrition, provides a detailed discussion that provides authoritative information on diet and health. Although many more Americans are now walking, running, playing tennis, and engaging in other active sports than in the past, most still do not get sufficient exercise. We drive to work and to malls, use elevators instead of stairs, spectate rather than participate in sports, and do little heavy labor on the job.
Inactivity is common among all age groups.
Even those who do exercise often don't exercise vigorously enough. Adhering to a regular exercise program can help eliminate other known risk factors. Help control weight. Help control diabetes. In addition to benefiting the cardiovascular system, regular exercise may enhance a person's sense of well-being, improve muscle tone and flexibility, and provide more energy.