Newsweek on Women's Health...Go ahead and sweat the small stuff

This week Newsweek is running tips for women's health emphasize that you don't have to train for the Hawaiian Ironman to improve your health. Here are eight tips to get women started:

1. Cut out trans fat. Stated simply, there is no safe level of trans fat so cut it out. ["Trans fat is bad because it raises the level of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and lowers the level of HDL cholesterol (the good stuff).]"

2. Reduce stress. Even if you can't change jobs or bosses at least set aside some time every day to slow down and chill out—maybe with a long, luxurious bath, a good book or a half-hour of yoga.

3. Stretch. You can do it in downtime and there is no excuse for not doing it.

4. Cut out the "mindless eating." The basic thesis of mindless eating is that we eat too much of the wrong thing because we're not paying attention to what our body really needs. (There is even a book about it, see below).

5. Get your screenings. Yes you are busy but don't put yourself on the bottom of the list. Here is a list of suggested screenings.

6. Get enough sleep. If you are trying to get enough sleep but having problems, check out this Newsweek cover story and/or consult your doctor.

7. Get proper fitting shoes. It's hard to think about your health if your feet are hurting like heck.

8. Fight complacency. Do it by treating every day like the start of a new diet or exercise program. Don't use yesterday's setbacks as an excuse for not trying today.

The point of Newsweek's article is that a lot of progress an be made by breaking up the goal (improved health) into series of very achievable objectives. In addition to these, women would need to layer in a proper amount of cardio exercise (walking is fine which is why #7 makes is relevant!).