Watching a parking lot will teach you a few things. You start noticing that people who look fit just park. Where they park usually requires walking. And the people who look unfit drive around until they find a nice spot close to the door that requires less walking.

Perhaps some folks could stand a change in habits.

Coronary Health Improvement Project Founder Hans Diehl and Albert Lea Medical Center physician Stephanie Nainani spoke at a conference in Albert Lea over the weekend. Diehl is a doctor of health science and Nainani is an obstetrician.

The two doctors were dead-on right when they said Albert Lea could become a place known for healthy living. And they are correct when they say being healthy is by choice, not by chance.

We urge you to be healthy by choice. In fact, the name of the conference was Healthy by Choice.

The Blue Zones/AARP City Health Makeover and the Coronary Health Improvement Project are opportunities for the residents of this city to spark change. If we embrace the makeover, seek ways to improve our health, and actually succeed, we could attract the growth — and in the long run perhaps “good-paying” jobs — locals say they desire.

The Mayo Clinic’s boost to the Rochester economy didn’t happen overnight, and neither will a healthy Albert Lea. Sustained effort is what we need if we hope to achieve our dreams.

Frankly, most people’s consciences know what they should be doing to stay fit.

Turn off that television. Shut down the computer. Put away the video games.

If you don’t walk, start walking now. Do low-impact activities, such as gardening, cycling, golfing, hiking, skating, dancing, stretching, playing with children.

Albert Lea seems to have 14 slogans, from “The Good Life” to “Land Between the Lakes.” Wouldn’t it be something if it became “Albert Lea: Healthy by Choice”?