Improvements in diet and physical activity can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer in as little as 6 weeks. Drs. Steven Aldana and Ray Merrill reveal data that shows that middle-aged adults who participate in a lifestyle change program learn to eat healthier foods and exercise regularly. These healthy behaviors cause reductions in body fat, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and can lower the risk for diabetes and certain cancers. This lifestyle change program is not a fat diet, but a permanent change in eating and exercise behaviors. It’s adopting a nutritious way of eating and exercise that causes very important, positive changes in the body’s health in a short period of time. The study investigated the effects of the Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP), a lecture-based lifestyle intervention created by Dr. Hans Diehl of the Lifestyle Medicine Institute and sponsored by the SwedishAmerican Health System in Rockford, IL. Participants were encouraged to adopt a diet emphasizing unrefined “food-as-grown,” like grains, legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables. The whole-food diet is low in fat, sugar, salt and cholesterol and high in fiber and antioxidants. Subjects also progressively implement an exercise program of walking or other cardiovascular fitness activity for 30 minutes a day. “When the results from the CHIP program are combined with results from other lifestyle clinical trials, a clear picture emerges… good nutrition and regular exercise are the common denominators of good health,” says Dr. Roger Greenlaw, co-author. According to Greenlaw, “Despite what some say, this study provides proof that adults with unhealthy habits can replace them with healthier ones and improve their health.” Once you understand why your current lifestyle is causing poor health and see what is meant by good nutrition and physical activity, you will be more ready to change your behaviors. By learning how to adopt healthy behaviors, Americans can start a public health revolution. Symposium Participants will: • Understand how overweight and obese adults are products of their environment. • Learn how the chronic diseases that kill most adults start during childhood • See how regular physical activity changes the body and helps prevent chronic diseases and improves quality of life • Improve your own health by beginning and maintaining a lifestyle that includes regular exercise and good nutrition.