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Once you’ve decided to begin a new career, you need to start preparing yourself for the transition. For those who aspire to be a nurse, here are some of the preparatory steps you’ll need to take before you begin a new job.

The first thing that you should do is learn what your new career will entail. Because you’re entering the health care industry, you should talk to people who are already in this field. Doctor’s offices, hospitals and clinics are places where you can talk to health professionals and learn what skills and educational backgrounds they have.

Get an education that will adequately prepare you for your new career. Visit local colleges and universities to see if they offer the courses that you’ll need to find nursing employment after your graduate. Talk to an advisor to find out what kind of degree program to consider. At this point, you’ll want to decide whether you want to become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Each has its own set of requirements, and the RN programs are typically more time-consuming.

As a nurse or a nursing student, you’ll need appropriate clothing such as scrubs. Your instructors may suggest places where you can buy the kind of scrubs you’ll need. Proper shoes are essential for your comfort while standing for hours. Some nursing programs also require that you buy your own stethoscope and other equipment.

You can begin your new career with confidence when you’ve taken steps to prepare yourself.

As it turns out, you don’t have to rearrange your life completely to get the exercise that you need to stay healthy.

10 Minutes at a Time

If you have difficulty committing yourself to an hour, or even half an hour, of exercise, then consider breaking your time into ten-minute activities. You can even spread these activities out through your day.

For instance, taking a ten-minute walk during your lunch break will add up to 50 minutes of exercise a week.

Taking your dog for a ten-minute walk after dinner every night will add 70 minutes to your total. With these two small lifestyle changes, you only have to “exercise” for half an hour a week. You can even include activities such as raking leaves and playing ball with your kids for that final half hour.

Join an Exercise Group

It’s hard to make big lifestyle changes on your own. Consider joining an exercise group that will keep you motivated. If you choose to take a walk during lunch, then recruit your co-workers. That way, you will pressure each other into keeping a schedule that leads to better health.

You can, of course, join a formal exercise class. Consider joining a gym or community center near you that offers classes in aerobics, spinning, yoga and other fun activities. You might even join an intramural sports league.

Is Obesity a Problem?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every state in the U.S. had an obesity prevalence greater than 20 percent in 2010. In 12 states, at least 25 percent of the population was overweight.

You might wonder whether these numbers truly mean anything. Do obese people face more health problems than those who are not obese? It turns out that obesity can lead to several health risks, including

• Cancer
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Coronary heart disease
• Type II diabetes

Exercise for a Healthier Body

Regular exercise can help the vast majority of people maintain healthy body weights (a small number of people have hormonal predispositions that make it difficult for them to lose weight).

The amount of exercise that you need to maintain a healthy weight depends on several factors. Age, for instance, plays a significant role in exercise and weight management.

• Children need at least 60 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week
• Adults need about 2.5 hours of aerobic activity a week and some strength training at least twice a week

As long as you eat a healthy diet and follow these guidelines, you should find that you can maintain a weight that will keep your health risks low. Consult your doctor for information specific to you.

Advantages of Online Nursing Programs

Flexible Schedules

Most online nursing programs offer the flexibility that adults need to find enough time for their studies. A traditional program will require you to attend classes on campus one, two or three times a week, depending on the specific program that you choose. That makes it hard for adults to find time for their classes.

Flexible schedules, however, allow you to work on class materials when you have time. You might choose to study at the end of the day after you have put the kids to bed, or you might find that early morning works best for you. Online nursing programs let you choose when you will get your class work done.

Innovative Technology

Today’s online programs use innovative Internet technology to duplicate the experiences that you would typically have in a classroom. For instance, the program might use streaming video, lecture downloads and online chats to meet the learning needs of students.

Disadvantages of Online Nursing Programs

Some people prefer learning styles that require one-on-one instruction from a professor. If you can’t work on your own, then an online nursing program might not offer the services that you need to earn your degree. Consider whether you have the self-motivation and commitment to reach goals on your own before you commit to an online program.