It can be as easy as eating some whole-wheat pasta with roasted vegetables and enjoying a 30-minute brisk walk at lunch or after dinner.

Canadians know it, too. In a survey conducted by Environics Research on behalf of the Canadian Diabetes Association, 52 percent of respondents acknowledged that they should eat five to 10 servings of vegetables and fruits each day, and 97 percent confirmed that physical exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Yet only one in five are getting enough fruits and veggies, and only one-third are getting 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

“Eating healthy and getting physical activity every day are an important part of staying healthy and preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes,” adds Sharon Zeiler, Senior Manager, Nutrition Initiatives and Strategies, Canadian Diabetes Association. “Canadians have some of the knowledge they need about healthy lifestyle behaviours – and now is the time to take action.”

They recommend eating smart, getting a move on, tackling stress, talking to your doctor and using their new “Beyond the Basics” online tracking tools to help you plan healthy meals and prevent diseases.

Speaking of diabetes, be sure to read the inspiring story of Lee-Ann MacLean, who ran her first marathon at 43, after her four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

What about you? What’s your favourite health tip?

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