Newest study shows that people are hugely misinformed about the state of their health. Dr. Schutz described the results as "disturbing, and illuminating news" that dramatizes the urgent need for increased education on health and healthcare-cost related subjects.

"Radical dieting and lifestyle change is not the answer," said Dr. Schutz. "We know from decades of watching our waistlines grow and our health decline that fad diets and sporadic exercise is not going to solve our problems."

88 percent of those surveyed said they believed their health could be improved by eating healthy foods. Yet 43 percent survey respondents acknowledged dining on fast food one or more times per week and almost 90 percent of those said they eat processed snack foods regularly.

Adopt these easy improvements in your everyday health routine: is easy and fun.

Commit to small changes
Every tiny bit helps - and each change will add up over time. What matters most is that you begin to think about your health differently and try to find small ways throughout your day to work in healthier choices. Promise yourself that you will find at least one opportunity each day to make a new, healthier choice that is different from what you would have done in the past.

Move more
To improve your health, you do not have to take up jogging or get a personal trainer. Simply chose to make yourself move a little more frequently every day. Stop asking other people to go get things for you and decide to go get it yourself. Make time to walk the few blocks to the store or post office, instead of driving. Park farther away from your destination, on purpose. The extra time spent moving around will add up quickly. You will raise your metabolism and burn more calories each and every day.

Make it fresh
Fresh food is just better for you; there is no getting around it. Bypass fast foods and processed foods as much as you can. Choose fruit or grilled vegetables over chips or fries. Plan what you're having for dinner in advance so you can prepare and not be so tempted to order take-out. Downsize instead of super-size! You'll feel so much better and will have more energy when your body is burning cleaner food fuel.

Stop pretending things aren't so bad
North Americans have the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the world, not to mention our low rates of activity. We've got to make changes, and no one is going to do it for us. Decide for yourself that you are going to do something about it, now. The power to change is in your own mind.

"The saddest part of the survey findings is that nearly eight of 10 respondents said they would take better care of themselves if they had a life-threatening problem," Dr. Schutz said. "Based on the eating habits and fitness levels reported in the survey, it is likely that many of those individuals may be developing serious chronic health conditions even now. They just don't realize where they are headed." 

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