A healthy life is not defined by any single method or formula. It is an assortment of direct and indirect choices you make toward your physical health and mental wellness. The foods you eat and the yearly health exams you keep are direct choices that show an active participation. As you learn more about what is healthy and what is not, you adjust your habits. The key to healthy living resides in how well you choose to take care of yourself with the help of those qualified to provide reliable information.
Step 1
Schedule and attend routine health exams. As you age, you become more susceptible to certain health risks like heart disease, bone loss and endocrine system disorders. Visit your physician yearly for a physical and blood work to determine your cholesterol level, blood pressure and risk for age-related conditions. Go to your physician as needed in between annual exams for medically related emergency concerns. Health care is important when you have specific injury but, more importantly, it provides preventive care to reduce your risk of developing disease.
Step 2
Stop addictive behaviors or choose not to begin. Smoking, excessive use of alcohol and illicit drug use are addictive behaviors that shorten your lifespan. If you are currently engaged in these behaviors, seek professional support to help you quit. Your physician can provide referrals for smoking cessation and drug or alcohol counseling.
Step 3
Select a nutrition plan that works for your lifestyle and health condition. Diet is a term that refers to what you eat and does not have to mean being restricted from the foods you enjoy altogether. However, the foods you eat play a significant role in your overall health. You can prevent certain cancers by eating a diet plentiful in antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Antioxidants fight toxins in your body that you ingest from chemicals in pesticides or absorb in your skin from environmental pollutants. Find a nutrition plan that works for you and adhere to physician recommendations if you have conditions like diabetes or arteriosclerosis.
Step 4
Avert risks that lead to high cholesterol and heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the primary killer in Americans and conditions like high cholesterol contribute to its onset. A diet high in saturated fat, consumption of processed foods with high sodium and sugar and being overweight increase your risks of high cholesterol and heart disease. Change your diet with the recommendations of your physician and begin an exercise program to lower your risk.
Step 5
Build a strong heart and healthy muscle tone through daily exercise. Engage in daily exercise to workout your heart and total body. Light exercise like walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day lowers your risk of obesity, keeps your muscles and bones strong and reduces your risk of depression. Try a variety of exercises like yoga, aerobics and light weight training to maintain muscle mass, flexibility and heart health. Talk to your physician regarding the best exercise plan for your condition.
Step 6
Protect yourself from preventable injury and communicable viruses. Safety precautions like wearing your seat belt in the car or washing your hands after using the restroom help protect you from injury and illness. Simple plans to deal with possible emergencies can protect you and decrease the amount of stress you experience from unexpected disasters. Keep a first-aid kit in your car, wear sunscreen to prevent skin damage, and use prophylactics to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
Step 7
Socialize with loved ones and enjoy leisure time weekly. Connecting to others is the foundation of human life. Talk to your loved ones regularly. Take the time to meet with friends every few weeks. Enjoy a movie with your spouse or kids. Take care of your mental and emotional health as vibrantly as you do your physical health by being with those you care about. Leisure time is also important for relaxing your mind after a hard week of work. Find a favorite place to read or take a walk in the park to unwind.
Step 8
Talk to a counselor or support group to manage overwhelming stress. Stress comes from dealing with the daily responsibilities of life. However, if you feel burdened to the point of stagnation over your stress, you may not be able to cope effectively. Seek mental health help to get you over the hurdles of stress effectively. Ask for a referral from your physician or conduct an online search for counselors in your area to talk with.
Tips and Warnings
- A well-balanced diet includes five to eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily, three to six servings of whole grains and healthy forms of protein from fish, poultry or lean meats.
- Foods high in cholesterol include red meat and hydrogenated oils. Packaged food contains labels identifying the amount of cholesterol per serving.
References
- American Heart Association: Getting Healthy
- American Institute For Cancer Research: Reduce Your Cancer Risk
- MayoClinic.com: Top 5 Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Cholesterol
- University of Washington Women's Health: Leading a Healthy Life
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Everyday Health and Wellness
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tips for a Safe and Healthy Life
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