This year for nutrition month try sending out some free e-cards to remind people that eating fast food really is not good for them. One of the best things about e-cards is that they are totally free to send and create, but not only that you can send them from nearly anywhere in the world, to nearly anywhere, and they will arrive almost instantly.

Many people, especially Americans, form unhealthy and ultimately detrimental eating habits from a very early age. The plethora of frozen foods cooked in the microwave, snacks containing preservatives and artificial flavors, and the sedentary lifestyle of most people are just some of the aspects of poor nutrition.

Though many may be prone to obesity and other nutritional ailments due to genetic predisposition, much of the unwholesome nutritional habits people are accustomed to not only worsen existing conditions, but can be solely responsible for resulting health problems.

However, overeating and consuming the wrong foods are just two factors of the nutritional and health dilemma facing many Americans. Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are diametrically opposed to the issue of overeating and inadequate exercise.

Anorexia is an extreme aversion to eating, caused by a variety of emotional and body image issues, which results in the body literally starving. Bulimia, on the other hand, is characterized by binging and purging, and is again an outgrowth of an unhealthy self-image and attitude towards food.

Growing concern about proper nutrition caused National Nutrition Week, established as an annual event in March of 1973 by the American Dietetic Association, to be extended to a full month in 1980.

Promoting fitness, nutrition, and psychological wellness as part of a healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of National Nutrition Month. Whether you begin an exercise regimen or change your diet to include more fresh fruit and vegetables, or begin by eliminating junk food, deep-fried foods, or caffeine from your diet.

It isn't necessary to go to extremes, so pace yourself and start by spending more time outside, and slowly removing the unhealthy parts of your diet and routine. Dedicate yourself to more nutritious eating habits and a more active lifestyle, and change the quality of your life.

Be aware that extremism, whether throwing yourself into dieting or exercising, is not a better alternative to overeating, and is just as damaging over the long term. If you suspect that anyone you know suffers from an eating disorder or other nutrition-related problems, confront them with your concerns.

Depending on their reactions to your inquiry, you may choose to seek help from responsible outside sources, such as doctors, counselors, parents, or learn more about their condition yourself so you can educate and support them in their recovery.

Taking care of your body helps you lead a more productive, healthier life with fewer preventable health problems, so the incentive for learning how to treat your body right is that it will be better able to take care of you.

There are free e-cards to celebrate nearly everything, so try sending some yourself to anyone you want.