A Message from
Governor Donald L. Carcieri

Our lives are full of choices, and sometimes the most important choices we make involve the most routine activities in our day. What should I eat for lunch? Should I take the stairs instead of the elevator? Should I go out for a walk, or stay in and watch one more TV show? Most people would not consider these decisions to be life-changing, but over time, the answers to these questions CAN affect the quality and length of your life.

We all have time pressures, and finding time to exercise can be difficult. But we all have 1,440 minutes in our day. When you look at it that way, it is easier to make the time to exercise just 30 minutes a day – even if it is in 10 minute spurts - and spend a few extra minutes carefully planning your food choices.

Why is it important to maintain a healthy weight? In addition to affecting the quality of your life, overweight and obesity can cause serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease, arthritis, stroke, certain cancers, and other illnesses. Even if you are at a healthy weight now, steps you take now to get active and eat well will help you maintain a healthy weight in the future – and protect your health.

A Healthy Weight in 2008 will bring together resources and activities to help you get moving toward a healthier lifestyle. This website has lots of valuable information and tools to help you achieve your goals – so make the decision to get started today! Your decision could add years to your life, and life to your years.