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All this year, Michigan Radio has been asking people from across the state what three things they think we can all do to help improve the state. Today, we hear from Danielle Johnson, Director of Girls on the Run of southeastern Michigan – a non-profit that teaches young girls healthy habits and self-esteem through running.

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Danielle’s first idea is to ‘eat well.’ “Michigan ranks the third worst among the states for the rate of obesity, and has [been] among the ten heaviest states for the past 14 years. More than 62% of adults in Michigan are considered either overweight or obese.”

Johnson says, “We make poor choices when we’re not educated enough to know there’s a better choice…between 1980 and 2000 obesity rates doubled among children and tripled among teens. And as adults I think we’re responsible for that.” She points out that Michigan, especially during warmer months is very blessed with food. She wants us to eat local and fresh food.

She feels that eating well will provide innumerable benefits to the state. “The cost for obesity…for our state is enormous, so that’s one. But two, healthier people are able to make healthier choices, and are able to be at work more often, which makes our economy better, our able to be better parents, are able to do better in school. It affects you in every which way in your life.”

Her second idea reflects her work and experience with Girls on the Run. She wants Michigander’s to ‘be active.’

“More than 50% of Michigan adults report participating in physical activity less than the recommended 30 minutes per day, and 25% said that they participate in no leisure time physical time activity at all. Now, I’m a single working mom, and I know just as well as anyone how tough it is to make sure to fit time in to work out, but I promise that if you commit to working out, or being active, that you will reap incredible rewards…it gives us energy, provides stress relief, it’s proven to increase our self-esteem and sense of well-being, and there’s so many fun things you can do. You can train for a 5K, you can go for a bike ride with your kids, go for a hike, take a dance class, whatever it is, just have fun doing it.”

Her third idea is to ‘Be Kind.’

She quotes Kathy Freston, the author of Quantum Wellness, who says, “Every little thing you do adds up, and before you know it, you’ve created your life. And how you create your life ripples out and effects everyone and everything that crosses your path, known and unknown to you. You have that much power.”

Johnson thinks that we sometimes forget how much power we have. “When you show compassion, when you look someone in the eye and you tell them thank you, it matters.”