Tips for a Healthy Life

What you eat and drink can make a significant difference in your overall health. Eating five or more fruits and vegetables a day and less saturated fat, can improve your health, reducing your risk of cancer and other chronic disease.

Your parents, grandparents, work and home habits and environment, as well as your lifestyle, all help to determine your health and health risks. These factors may put you at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions. You can focus on changing any negative behaviors you do have control over, such as your diet, activity level or quitting smoking. Make as many healthy changes for your body as you can.

More than 60 percent of men and women do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. For adults, thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week is recommended. It does not take a lot of time or money, but it does take commitment. Start slowly, work up to a satisfactory level, and do not overdo it. Develop one routine or try something different every day. Find fun ways to stay in shape and feel good, such as dancing, gardening, cutting the grass, swimming, walking, jogging, etc.

Job stress poses a threat to the health of workers and, in turn, to the health of organizations. Balancing obligations to your employer and your family can be challenging. Protect your mental health by engaging in activities that help you manage your stress, at both work and home, such as spending time doing your favorite hobby, exercising, reading or something else you enjoy, that will also reduce stress and keep you mentally healthy.

Routine exams and screenings can help save lives. Based on your age, health history, lifestyle and other important issues, you and your health care provider can determine how often you need to be examined and screened for certain diseases and conditions. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases and cancer of the skin, prostate and colon. When problems are found early, your chances for treatment and cure are significantly greater, so get those check-ups.