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Healthy lifestyles includes physical activity, planned exercise by Megan Lahnen and Nicole Miller Dietetic Interns During National Nutrition Month, the MUSC dietetic interns have promoted healthy eating. Now the focus is changing to an other important part of a healthy lifestyle: exercise. If we all moved a little more, the 250,000 deaths per year and thousands of chronic diseases in the U.S. due to lack of physical activity might be drastically reduced. Beginning a physical activity program can seem overwhelming; however, taking small steps to get started can have benefits that last a lifetime. Those who are sedentary or overweight, have a chronic health problem, or are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease should see a doctor before any exercise program. Exercising does not have to mean spending lots of money to join a health club or getting stuck in a painful or boring routine. Be creative and find activities that you would enjoy doing, such as dancing to the radio in your living room or walking on the beach. It is also important to have a support network of people to help you reach your goals. Exercising three to five times a week for 45 to 60 minutes is recommended as a final goal. Rewarding yourself at certain milestones can keep you motivated. Activities—walking the dog, taking the stairs at work or parking farther away from the grocery store—along with planned exercise can boost exercise-related benefits. A planned routine should include aerobic exercise such as walking or bicycling while incorporating strength and flexibility activities such as stretching or weight training. Regular physical activity has a significant impact on your life, from lowering or maintaining body fat to reducing depression, anxiety, and stress. Weight-bearing exercise such as waling promotes healthy bones, muscles, and joints and aids in the prevention of osteoporosis. Exercising can also reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. MUSC's nutrition department had great success with the Every Step Counts program at the university health fair in early March. Pedometers were purchased to log the weekly steps of approximately 200 participants and updates, motivational messages, and prizes keep members moving. For information about physical activity and nutrition, visit the National Nutrition Month display in the cafeteria this week.    Friday, March 26, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.