It is important to stay healthy and maintain an active lifestyle. Your body needs nutrition and exercise to function properly. When you are healthy, you will look and feel good about yourself. If you have some unhealthy habits in your life such as overeating, smoking or over-working, keep in mind that they may affect your health, either directly or indirectly. Staying healthy both physically and mentally will help you maintain peace of mind.
Step 1
Seek medical care frequently. This is important for your physical health. Even if you feel well, get regular screenings for cardiovascular problems, cardiovascular disease and cancer. An annual checkup can assure that your physical health is in good shape. Routine blood work can help detect an underlying medical problem and allow you to get care immediately if needed. It is also important to seek routine dental and eye care. Practicing good oral hygiene and addressing dental problems as they come up will help keep your smile healthy.
Step 2
Follow a balanced diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that all children and adults get food and meals from the following food groups; milk, vegetables, grains, fruits, beans and meat and oils. This will assure that you are getting enough nutrition and avoiding sugary, processed foods, which can be harmful to your health.
Step 3
Exercise regularly. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults under the age of 65 or in good health perform moderate cardiovascular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for optimal health. You can create your own exercise routine or seek out a personal trainer. Examples include using fitness equipment, walking or engaging in extra-curricular sports.
Step 4
Avoid alcoholic beverages and recreational drugs. Excessive and regular drinking of alcoholic beverages can lead to problems with your liver and digestive system and also spark addiction. The use of recreational drugs such as marijuana, cocaine or heroin is never a healthy idea. If you have a problem with substance abuse of any kind, seek treatment immediately.
Step 5
Get enough rest daily. Rest and sleep are just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Your body needs to recuperate and heal itself; often, it can only do this if you are asleep. Getting the right amount of sleep is also important. While every person's sleep needs differ, the Mayo Clinic recommends that the average adult get seven to eight hours of sleep to maintain good health.
Tips and Warnings
- Visit your doctor if you are over 40 or have a history of disease before beginning a vigorous exercise routine. Men should have prostate cancer screenings beginning at age 50. Women should have a mammogram yearly starting at age 40.
- Avoid overeating. When eating sweets or foods high in fat and calories, always eat in moderation.
