Health and Fitness Information Center

Cardiovascular Health, Part 4

• Health Topics

• Asthma/Allergies
• Blood Pressure
• Blood Testing
• Body Fat Measuring
• Breast Exam
• Breastfeeding
• Cholesterol
• Defibrillator
• Diabetes
• Family Health
• Fitness
• Nutrition
• Safety
• Stress
• Thermometry
• Weight Control

Some of these things are admittedly no small tasks. Asking a pack-a-day smoker just to quit isn’t simple; nor is starting to exercise if you’ve been a dedicated couch potato. Unless you’re in an emergency situation where you have to do everything at once (quit smoking, lose weight, change your diet) start by taking small steps.

Talk to your doctor about your personal health situation and what course of action would be best for you. Don’t be afraid to use available resources. We often feel alone and overwhelmed when we’re faced with doing something that is potentially life altering. Talk to people who have done what you’re trying to accomplish, either informally (friends) or in an organized setting (support groups). Set goals and make a plan with someone who can help guide you - like your doctor, a nutritionist, or a fitness trainer.

Lifestyle changes can be a lifetime’s worth of work. Plan for the big picture of your life but focus on what small thing you can do today to be healthier and feel better. Old sayings become old sayings for a reason: “A journey of a hundred miles begins with one step.” Take the journey. All you need to do is start with one step.