American businesses are struggling to pay outrageous, exploitive insurance bills for their employees, hampering our ability to compete globally.

The most common objection that I hear to walking as exercise is that it's too easy, that only sweaty, strenuous activity offers real benefits. But there is abundant evidence that regular, brisk walking is associated with better health, including lower blood pressure, better moods and improved cholesterol ratios.

Pay attention to your body. The point is everybody is different. You have to figure out what works for you.

The essence of health is inner balance.

In my view, the best gift is one that benefits both the receiver and the planet.

I am a particular fan of integrative exercise - that is, exercise that occurs in the course of doing some productive activity such as gardening, bicycling to work, doing home improvement projects and so on.

Insurance companies, whether private or government owned, must be compelled to pay for health-promoting measures. In turn, this will encourage physicians to offer such treatments in earnest.