Healthy Habits

If you follow nutrition news, you probably feel completely confused. Every day seems to bring a contradictory new study - and new debates among the experts. Does eating fat make us fat? Or is it the carbs? Are there good fats? Bad fats? To lose weight, should I eat more protein or become a vegetarian? Opinions about weight loss are a dime a dozen these days. This is a confusing time for consumers. Public health officials are trying to figure out the best approach to the obesity epidemic; USDA is re-evaluating the Food Guide Pyramid; all the diet gurus are pushing their books; and ads for weight loss gimmicks are everywhere.

kevinc@herald-mail.com A year ago, Brian White met with 30 men and women who were on the cusp of retirement. He talked to them about fitness and remaining active. Many questioned the need to keep fit. White, a health fitness instructor at City Hospital's Wellness Center in Martinsburg, W.Va., asked if they intended to slip into a sedentary lifestyle once life in the workaday world ended. Of the 30, one took up a fitness routine and stuck with it. The exchange represents yet another salvo in the ongoing war between fitness and obesity.

laurae@herald-mail.com When Philadelphia, home of the cheese steak, was named the fattest city in the country two years ago, Mayor John Street put residents on a diet. Street appointed a health and fitness czar and challenged residents to lose weight through the "76 Tons of Fun" program and the city's health improved. Taking a cue from the city of brotherly love handles, Washington County kicked off its Wellness Challenge 2002 on Saturday. About 40 people have signed up so far for the program, which helps people set goals for physical activity, nutrition and stress management.

By DAVE McMILLION Staff Writer, Martinsburg MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Some companies starting wellness programs have come up with novel ways to encourage employees to live healthy lifestyles, such as bonuses to those who quit smoking. But an expert in the field warns that the material rewards may only be effective for a short time. Workers should find an "internal reward" for following a healthy lifestyle, said Michael Todt, director of Sharpe Hospital, a mental hospital in Weston, W.Va.

Stress management experts agree that employees and employers both can take steps to reduce stress in the workplace. Some of their suggestions are: For Employees Schedule three small "pleasures" into each work day. For instance, schedule lunch with a friend, listen to a favorite tape on the way into work or bring fresh flowers to the office. Spend leisure time engaged in hobbies or activities that differ from what you have to do at work every day. For instance, if you have a sedentary job do something physical in your free time.