Dr. Chet Zelasko

Scientist. Speaker. Author.

My strength is my ability to explain complex scientific health concepts and translate them into simple lifestyle changes that my readers and listeners can use to improve their health. I also have a simple philosophy for health: Eat less. Eat better. Move more. That philosophy was developed over my 30-plus years of experience in the health and fitness field. It all begins with a foundation rooted in science and research.

My Professional Credentials

I have a PhD and Master of Arts in Exercise Physiology and Health Education from Michigan State University (1987 and 1984), and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Canisius College (1982). I completed a teaching and research post-doctoral fellowship at Ball State University; in the two years at Ball State, I was voted one of the Top 10 Teachers at the University. I’m certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health and Fitness Specialist, have taught in ACSM certification workshops throughout the U.S., and belong to the American Society of Nutrition. I’ve conducted research and been published in peer-reviewed journals.

But here’s the most important thing for you to know about me: even with all those degrees, at heart I’m still just an average guy from Buffalo, New York. I don’t live in some ivory tower where nothing matters but science and people always behave as they’re supposed to. I’m down here in the real world with all of you, and that’s my angle when I look at the latest research: how does this apply to real people? And I thank God for the greatest gift he gave me: the ability to explain in everyday terms how the latest science can help you be healthier. That’s my mission. That’s why I get up every day.

My Experience

In the 1990s, I was an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Health and Wellness Department at Buffalo State College, part of the State University of New York. At the same time, I managed the weight-loss program for an HMO in the Western New York area.

In 1998, I left academia to become the chief research scientist for the Better Life Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I developed weight-management programs, a cleansing and detoxification program, and various fitness programs. I’ve written over 5,000 e-mail messages and newsletters and presented seminars to large and small groups all over North America and the Caribbean. For many years I hosted Straight Talk on Health, a weekly radio program on a wide range of health topics on WGVU-FM, the Grand Rapids NPR affiliate. Now we’ve upgraded to a podcast so you can listed whenever you like by going to https://www.wgvunews.org/podcast/straight-talk-on-health.

In 2008, I formed my own company: Chet Zelasko PhD LLC. As a health and fitness consultant, I provide health information based on the most recent research and deliver it in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether in person during seminars, in audio recordings, or in the written word, I make sense out of the health news people hear so they can make better health choices and achieve optimal health.

What I Do for Fun

I have a great family. Paula and I celebrated our 32nd anniversary this year. We have a grown son, Matthew, whom I was lucky enough to acquire when he was 21—I missed all the really hard years. He and his wife, Kerri, live in Charleston, South Carolina, and we wish they were closer. And because you can never have too much family, we chose two pretend daughters, Rebecca and Jamie; that’s how we added Riley, our seven-year-old pretend grandson. If you have a seven-year-old in your life, you know they require a lot of attention, and we’re enjoying our time with him immensely. Paula’s parents lived long lives: in spite of many health issues, Mom almost made it to 90, and Dad was healthy until he died quietly at 94. My parents both died way too young, 41 and 62, and that’s part of what motivates me to do what I do.

I enjoy running for fitness and have run five marathons plus dozens of 10Ks and now spend more time working on strength and stamina. In summer, we garden; our deck is an oasis and I find myself working there as much as I can. When there’s finally time to relax, Paula and I enjoy movies, television, and blues music; we also have become adept at Hide and Seek, Tag, and a multitude of impromptu games as we enjoy seeing Riley grow.

But I’ll be honest—helping people be healthier is equally my idea of fun, and that’s how I spend most of my time. Nothing charges me up as much as hearing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, and that’s why I love being in touch with all of you.