It is no secret that in the United States, the obesity epidemic is ongoing and as strong as ever. Everywhere you turn, there are children who are coming down with all sorts of illnesses and diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol; and a lot of it boils down to a little four-letter word called "diet".

To start off on the right foot, go to your refrigerator and take a look at what is inside. How many items are in your refrigerator in which you cannot pronounce one or more of the ingredients? What is the ratio of fresh fruits and vegetables or frozen fruits and vegetables to processed foods? After you've taken inventory of these things, sit down with a piece of paper and take stock of your current life. How often do you get outside to exercise? This doesn't count the time that you spend indoors at the gym, but rather, this refers to the time in which you are outside, actively doing something that requires some sort of physical exertion such as: washing your car, going for a walk, riding a bicycle, running or participating in a sport.

Some attribute diseases and diagnoses such as cancer to diets that are not rich in nutrients, but rather, are rich in stress, poor eating and sleeping habits and lack of exercise. That said, which category do you tend to fit into? Naturally, more research needs to be done before anything conclusive can be pointed to, but we should all be making an effort to lead healthier lives, if not for ourselves- to encourage others to do the same as well.

Whether you start leading a better life by purchasing something as small as a beaded awareness bracelet for cancer or helping in the planning session for a fundraising event to help find a cure for cancer, do something that will count. Besides this, don't just encourage participation in leading healthier lifestyles for others. Rather, be the change that other people need to see. After all, would you take someone else seriously about losing weight if it was obvious that he or she was obese? By believing in yourself and making positive changes in your life, you can help others to do the same.