Patient-Directed Lifestyle Change and Health Promotion Program or Usual Care in Low-Income, Uninsured Participants in Los Angeles County, California

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Receiving care at one of two study sites within the Venice Family Clinic network of clinics: Simms-Mann Clinic or Rose Avenue Clinic * Must remain in the Los Angeles area during the 12-month study period * Low income level and uninsured, and therefore at increased risk for nutrition- and lifestyle-related health conditions, including overweight, obesity, and cancer * Shows interest in changing diet and physical activity behavior as indicated by response to Patient Health Behavior Priority Assessment (PHBPA) * No history of cancer, except non-melanoma skin cancer or in situ cancers * Prticipated in the focus group discussion or cognitive interview for the pre-intervention portion of the study (IRB #G06-08-014-01) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * English- or Spanish-speaking * Accessible by telephone where they can be contacted over time during the study to conduct follow-up health education phone calls * Willing to cooperate with data collection (e.g., lab draws, completing interviews, etc.) * Not pregnant * No medical condition precluding free choice of foods (e.g., colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or diabetes) * No medical condition precluding participation in common forms of aerobic or resistance exercise, including any of the following: * Uncontrolled angina * Severe asthma or hypertension * Severe physical impairment that requires a wheelchair, cane, or special bed * Congestive heart failure * Nephropathy from any cause * Chronic …