Five bad health habits to break

Smoking
More than 45,000 people will die this year in Canada due to smoking. But it's not only death that smokers should fear: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other breathing problems can seriously cramp your lifestyle.

Health Canada provides free help for smokers wanting to quit at their website. One of the programmes they offer includes the E-Quit programme. Free daily e-mail messages support individuals through their quitting process, one day at a time.

According to the website, since E-Quit's launch in 2002, hundreds of people have written Health Canada to praise the program. People like the non-judgmental and supportive tone of the messages. They enjoy the program's pace and the sense of accomplishment they achieve by reaching each goal. For some, it was like having a personal coach to help them through the day.

Lack of exercise
In the rush of other commitments, and the siren call of the television and the Internet, exercise can be something we all just put off. But a sedentary lifestyle is a factor in many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis. Moving now will help keep you moving in the future. 20 minutes of brisk walking a day can be all it takes to start.

Canada's 90-second inspirational team, the Body Break duo, has a great website at www.bodybreak.com. Lighthearted and quick tips can help inspire you to get up off the couch (or office chair).