“Take the first step.”
That’s the message Dr. Randy Wykoff, Dean of the College of Public Health at ETSU, is spreading this week in observance of National Public Health Week 2008 (April 7-13).
“There are many basic lifestyle changes people should consider that can improve their quality of life and possibly add more years of healthy living,” Wykoff said. “The United Health Foundation has ranked Tennessee 46th in the nation for overall health. That number is slowly improving, but tremendous gains can be made if everyone uses this week as an opportunity to take that initial step toward a healthier lifestyle.”
According to Wykoff, these steps include:
Adopt a healthier diet that includes all major food groups
Make sure preventative cancer screenings are up-to-date
If overweight, make a commitment to shed those pounds
Stop smoking and/or eliminate tobacco use
Increase physical activity
Take a moment to relax
“These may seem simple, but they can be lifesaving. It is important to realize that you don’t have to make a major change right away-just take that first step.”
As part of National Public Health Week, ETSU will welcome the 16th U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher as the keynote speaker for the annual Lamb Lecture on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Carnegie Hotel’s Grand Soldiers Ballroom.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the lecture, or to request special assistance, contact the ETSU College of Public Health at 439-4243.

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