It�s Never Too Late: Easy Steps to Powerful Benefits

Given all we've got on our plates, it's easy to think there's no time for those other important things we've been meaning or wanting to do. But taking that first step can make all the difference, whether it's picking up the phone to call an old friend or picking up the phone to schedule your family's flu vaccines-today's the day.

Get in touch with old friends. It's no secret that close friendships help banish your stress and improve your mood. And if a relationship ended suddenly or on a bad note, it can sure feel good to get closure-even if you're past the point of reconnection.

First steps: Lost contact? If your friend was connected to a school, community group, or worship community, start there. Or try finding your friend through sites like Classmates.com, Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn. Then call, write, or e-mail. And don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away. Your old friend may not have gotten the message or may be superbusy at the time. Try again.

Add more fitness to your life. More and more research finds that it's never too late to reap the benefits of exercise-from increased energy to decreased risk of heart disease.

First steps: Check with your doctor, and start slowly. Try walking or bicycling with a friend. Take a class to meet new people. If you want to involve the kids, push a stroller or have an older child bike along as you jog. And if you belong to a gym, have an instructor show you the equipment and how to use it; many gyms will arrange a no-cost appointment.

Go back to school. Studies have found that adult education is linked to better health, including lower weight, more exercise, and a happier outlook. So whether you've always wanted to take a watercolor class, learn a language, or go back to school to get a degree, now could be the time to make it a reality.

First steps: Set a goal-what do you want out of continued education? Then check the costs and schedules for options in your area. You may be pleased to find more flexibility than you might have imagined-with everything from night and weekend classes to online courses. If you're employed, check to see what types of tuition reimbursement your employer might offer. Also, no matter what your age, check into scholarships and federal funding.

Schedule flu protection. Sure, it's best to get your flu vaccine before the season even starts-say, early September. But the flu season usually runs right through March. So even October or November isn't too late if that's the soonest you can get vaccinated.

First steps: Call your doctor to schedule an appointment. Or to find a clinic near you, check out flucliniclocator.org.