Did you eat at a fast food restaurant yesterday? Eat any fruits or vegetables? Have you done any physical activity in your non-paid hours during the last month? If you answered yes, no and no, you are not alone. According to a comprehensive study on diet and exercise just released in a report by a Department of Health Services Agency, eating at fast food restaurants increased from 33% to 50% since 1989. Twenty percent of responders reported no leisure physical activity in the previous month. And one in three met the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. And that's not all. Out of seven key dietary habits surveyed, the average number practiced was only three. And the number of overweight or obese adults rose 50% since 1989!

"I don't want to deal with this," you may be thinking. But let me tell you what this means. It means that the long-term health of adults is in jeopardy. It means that a large number of your fellow citizens will die this year from illnesses related to poor diet and physical inactivity. And it means that you might be paying some of the billions of dollars spent each year for these illnesses, not counting the level of human suffering that could be avoided with simple changes in diet and lifestyles.

I know you are really busy. And like most of us, you are probably eating out more. But eating out is associated with eating fewer healthy foods and more unhealthy ones. Did you know that the number one reason given for not eating the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day is lack of availability away from home? Followed by "don't know how to fix" and "not in the habit."

If you're like most of those surveyed, you want to eat healthier and be fit, but lack the practical information you need to choose healthy foods and exercise enough. People can most improve their health by choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads every day and one percent or less milk. Adults need 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, which by the way, doesn't have to be done all at once!

We need to reverse the negative health trends with support and effort by food, fitness and health communicators to promote healthy lifestyles. There are many programs already in place. If you would like additional information about studies on this subject or free quick recipes and tips on leading healthier lifestyles, call 1-800-422-6237.