The public can get practical ideas for developing healthful eating and exercise habits from the University of California Cooperative Extension by calling AsisTel toll-free at 1 (800) 514-4494.

The service includes 20 messages with information on such topics as healthful snacking, easy ways to exercise, avoiding dinnertime battles with children, and appropriate portion sizes. AsisTel is a free public service that dispenses with fad diets and expensive weight-loss products. It includes nutrition and physical activity information based on the latest research findings of university scientists.

All the nutrition and weight messages are available in English and Spanish. AsisTel also includes a series of messages about diabetes prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Spanish only.

Following are the new message titles and their corresponding numbers. Callers simply dial 1 (800) 514-4494 and punch in the number of the message they wish to hear. An audio listing of the titles and corresponding numbers is also available on the toll-free line.

No. 90 -- Is my child overweight?
No. 91 -- Fad diets and weight loss products
No. 92 -- Is gastric-bypass surgery the answer?
No. 93 -- Why are the poor more likely to be overweight?
No. 94 -- Why families should live actively
No. 95 -- Fun ways for families to increase physical activity
No. 96 -- Switching to 1% milk
No. 97 -- Understanding portion sizes
No. 98 -- Daily activities to lose weight
No. 99 -- Introducing new foods to children
No. 100 -- Reducing mealtime tension
No. 101 -- Advertising to kids
No. 102 -- Healthy snacking strategies for children
No. 103 -- More snacking ideas for kids
No. 104 -- Packing healthful lunches
No. 105 -- Stocking the pantry
No. 106 -- Senior citizens and obesity
No. 107 -- Physical activity for older adults
No. 108 -- Psychological issues associated with obesity
No. 109 -- What communities can do