| Tips
for a Healthy Life
Eat
Healthy
"An
apple a day keeps the doctor away." There's more truth to this
saying than we once thought. What you eat and drink and what you
don’t eat and drink can definitely make a difference to your health.
Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day and less
saturated fat can help improve your health and may reduce the risk of
cancer and other chronic diseases. Have a balanced diet, and watch how
much you eat.
Maintain
a Healthy Weight
Those
who are overweight or obese have increased risks for diseases and
conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and
stroke. Eat better, get regular exercise, and see your health care
provider about any health concerns to make sure you are on the right
track to staying healthy.
Get
Moving
For
adults, thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on most,
preferably all, days of the week is recommended. It doesn’t take a
lot of time or money, but it does take commitment. Start slowly, work
up to a satisfactory level, and don’t overdo it. You can develop one
routine, or you can do something different every day. Find fun ways to
stay in shape and feel good, such as dancing, gardening, cutting the
grass, swimming, walking, or jogging.
Be
Smoke-Free
Health
concerns associated with smoking include cancer, lung disease, early
menopause, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Smoking triples
the risk of dying from heart disease among those who are middle-aged.
Second-hand smoke - smoke that you inhale when others smoke - also
affects your health. If you smoke, quit today! Helplines, counseling,
medications, and other forms of support are available to help you
quit.
Get
Routine Exams and Screenings
Sometimes
they’re once a year. Other times they’re more or less often. 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 cancers of the skin, cervix, breast, and
colon. When problems are found early, your chances for treatment and
cure are better. Routine exams and screenings can help save lives.
Get
Appropriate Vaccinations
They’re
not just for kids. Adults need them too. Some vaccinations are for
everyone. Others are recommended if you work in certain jobs, have
certain lifestyles, travel to certain places, or have certain health
conditions. Protect yourself from illness and disease by keeping up
with your vaccinations.
Manage
Stress
Perhaps
now more than ever before, 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.
What’s your stress level today? Protect your mental and physical
health by engaging in activities that help you manage your stress at
work and at home.
Know
Yourself and Your Risks
Your
parents and ancestors help determine some of who you are. Your habits,
work and home environments, and lifestyle also help to define your
health and your risks. You may be at an increased risk for certain
diseases or conditions because of what you do, where you work, and how
you play. Being healthy means doing some homework, knowing yourself,
and knowing what’s best for you... because you are one of a kind.
Be
Safe - Protect Yourself
What
comes to mind when you think about safety and protecting yourself? Is
it fastening seat belts, applying sunscreen, wearing helmets, or
having smoke detectors? It’s all of these and more. It’s
everything from washing your hands to watching your relationships. Did
you know that women at work die most frequently from homicides, motor
vehicle incidents, falls, and machine-related injuries? Take steps to
protect yourself and others wherever you are.
Be
Good to Yourself
Health is
not merely the absence of disease; it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s
getting enough sleep, relaxing after a stressful day, or enjoying a
hobby, it’s important to take time to be good to yourself. Take
steps to balance work, home, and play. Pay attention to your health,
and make healthy living a part of your life.
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