"Take Good Care of Yourself, You Belong to Me!" I recall hearing my mom sing this song when I was a kid, and somehow it comes to mind when I think of my own health and nutrition. As the song goes, we all need to take care of ourselves for those we love. 

Some tips for better health through nutrition: 

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Try to eat one additional serving each day for dinner. 
• Eat more fiber. Aim for an additional 5 grams per day, up to 20-35. Add cooked dry beans, peas and lentils to your salad, soup, and stir-fry. Choose whole-wheat bread and cereals more often. 
• Learn about hidden fats. Read labels to learn which of your foods are high in saturated and partially hydrogenated fats. Find healthier alternatives. 
• Smile often. Smiles are contagious and can brighten 
• everyones day. 
• Increase activity. Get at least one-half hour most days of the week. Walk whenever you can, even in your home. Sit less; 
• walk more. 
• Schedule any overdue doctor and dental appointments. 
• Increase your calcium. Take and enjoy a yogurt break. 
• Eat fewer sugary foods. Drink a glass of water, or eat something high in nutrition and you may find you do not want the cookies. 
• Stop smoking. No matter how long you have smoked, your health will improve when you quit. 
• If you need to lose weight, investigate where to go to enroll in a weight loss program.