A healthy lifestyle is defined by four basic criteria according to a study by Michigan State University:

1. Not smoking

2. Holding weight down

3. Eating right

4. Exercising

Of the 153,000 respondents, only 3% participated in all four of what are termed healthy lifestyle characteristics .

That’s a surprisingly low number:

* 75% reported they didn’t smoke
* 23% included at least five fruits and vegetables in their daily diets

* 22% took part in regular physical activity, which is defined as at least 30 minutes of activity a day, five or more times a week
* 40% maintained a healthy weight, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less

“We have millions of people now going through adult life leading unhealthy lifestyles and a medical system that can treat illnesses and keep you alive longer than ever before,” said Mathew Reeves, a Michigan State University epidemiologist. “If we don’t turn this around, the costs to society are going to be crippling.”

What can be done to help people change?

More than ever, people are eager to read, learn, and discuss all topics about obtaining healthy lifestyles.

They want to read everything pertaining to current health news, facts, opinions, studies, comments, and issues related to weight, exercise, eating, or the struggles of keeping your family healthy.

Where do you find all of these musings in one place?

It’s being written and discussed in all media--by those who want to make a difference in people’s lives for the better.

Therefore, by providing a central place for everyone to share their writing about how to improve people’s health, you’re invited to join the Healthy Lifestyle Bloggers, a blogroll of a diverse group of people with different goals, but similar missions.

Healthy Lifestyle Bloggers will be committed to being a strong force for people to obtain and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are information, stories, truths, and just plain common sense.

Through our blogs, we will strive to help people and, at the same time, help ourselves.

So, click here to join the Healthy Lifestyle Bloggers, who represent the best of the best.

Grab a cool badge and help spread the word, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

Iowa Avenue