Tips for a Healthy Life << Men's Health Home << womenshealth.gov

Tips for a Healthy Life

Eat Healthy
Healthy foods can help improve your health and may lower your risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. Eat mainly fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat sources of protein.

Keep a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can raise your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Eat healthy foods and maintain an active lifestyle to keep your weight in check. See your doctor about any health concerns to make sure you are on the right track to staying healthy.

Get Moving
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. In fact, moderate-intensity aerobic activity is generally safe for most people. Find out how much physical activity you need for health and fun ways to stay in shape and feel good, such as cutting the grass, swimming, walking, or jogging.

Be Smoke-Free
Smoking is linked to many of the leading causes of death, including cancer, lung disease, and stroke. It also triples the risk of dying from heart disease among those who are middle-aged. If you smoke, quit today! Helplines, counseling, medications, and other forms of support are available to help you quit.

Get Routine Exams and Screenings
Routine exams and screenings can help save lives. Ask your doctor how often you need to be examined and screened for certain diseases and conditions. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and cancers of the skin, prostate, and colon.

Get the Vaccinations You Need
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. Ask your doctor which vaccinations you need.

Manage Stress
Balancing work and family obligations can be challenging. Protect your mental and physical health. Take part in activities that help you manage your stress at work and at home.

Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can not only affect your mood, but your health as well. One common sleep problem is sleep apnea, in which your breathing stops or gets very shallow. One in 25 middle-aged men has sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea often causes loud snoring and increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and work or driving-related accidents.

Know Yourself and Your Risks
Being healthy means knowing how your lifestyle affects your health and your risk of certain diseases and conditions. It also means knowing if there are health problems that run in your family. Talk to your doctor about questions you have about your risks.

Think Safety!
Safety means many things, such as fastening seat belts, using sunscreen, wearing helmets, having smoke detectors, washing your hands, and following safety rules at work. Take steps to protect yourself and others wherever you are.

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. Be good to yourself!

Content last updated June 1, 2009.