TAKE A WALK

The government has released the fourth edition of its dietary guidelines for Americans. The conclusion: exercise, eat foods in moderation, drink a little wine and watch the sugar and salt intake. The new recommendations, which the Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments release jointly every five years, are essentially the same as those given in the last set of guidelines, issued in 1990. The big difference is that more stress is placed on the role exercise plays in staying healthy. At least a half hour a day of moderate exercise, such as walking or gardening, is recommended, and the report says age is no excuse for idleness. According to the government, adults of all ages should work to maintain their weight within a range given for their height, rather than allowing extra pounds as they get older.