For those of you who have decided this is the year that you begin a healthier and more active lifestyle, I congratulate you. For others who have not made that decision yet, let's talk about why you should. First of all, most us have all this stored up energy from the holidays which, if not burned off, turns to fat. Most importantly is a startling report from the surgeon general stating that weight related illnesses kill 300,000 Americans a year. Nearly 2 out of 3 adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese and an estimated 1,200 die daily from weight related illnesses. If the trend continues, will soon overtake the 430,000 deaths per year by tobacco.

If you're still not convinced enough to start exercising, here's yet more compelling reasons why you should.

In July 1996, the surgeon general released a landmark study on the benefits of regular physical activity. This report brings together, for the first time, what has been learned about physical activity and health from decades of research. Among it's major findings:

* People who are usually inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis.

* Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits.

* Greater health benefits can be achieved by increasing the (duration, frequency, or intensity) of physical activity. Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illnesses and death in the U.S. Regular physical activity improves heath in the following ways:

Reduces the risk of dying prematurely; reduces the risk of dying from heart disease; reduces the risk of developing diabetes; reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.

* Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high pressure.

* Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer; reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.

* Helps control weight (fat); helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints; helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.

* Promotes psychological well-being.

Given the numerous health benefits of physical activity, the hazards of being inactive are clear. Physical inactivity is a serious nationwide problem. If after reading this information you have made the decision to get started there are a few things to keep in mind. To avoid soreness and injury, individuals contemplating an increase in physical activity should start out slowly and gradually build up to the desired amount to give the body time to adjust. People with chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, or who are at high risk for these problems, or men over 40 and women over 50 should first consult a physician before beginning a new program of physical activity to be sure they do not have heart disease or other problems. There will be continuation on this subject next month. If you have any questions on this article, please feel free to contact me. I pray that you have a wonderful and happy New Year and that God bless you with vibrant health.