Eating right, staying
physically active, and not smoking are a few examples of good habits that can
help you stay healthy.
Eating Right
Eating the right foods and the right amounts of foods can help you live a
longer, healthier life. Research has proven that many illnesses—such as
diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure—can be prevented or controlled
by eating right. Getting the nutrients you need, such as calcium and iron, and
keeping your weight under control can help. Try to balance the calories you get
from food with the calories you use through physical activity. It is never too
late to start eating right. Here are some helpful tips.
Eat a variety of foods, especially:
Vegetables. Choose dark-green leafy and deep-yellow vegetables.
Fruits. Choose citrus fruits or juices, melons, and berries.
Dry beans (such as red beans, navy beans, and soybeans), lentils, chickpeas, and
peanuts.
Whole grains, such as wheat, rice, oats, corn, and barley.
Whole grain breads and cereals.
Eat foods low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, especially:
Fish
Poultry prepared without skin; lean meat.
Low-fat dairy products.
Weight Control
Weighing too much or too little can lead to health problems. After age 45, many
people gain too much weight. You can control your weight by eating healthy foods
and being physically active.
Physical Activity
Research shows that physical activity can help prevent at least six diseases:
heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity (excess weight), diabetes,
osteoporosis, and mental disorders, such as depression. Physical activity also
will help you feel better and stay at a healthy weight. Research suggests that
brisk walking can be just as good for you as an activity such as jogging. Try to
do a total of 30 minutes of constant physical activity, such as fast walking,
most days of the week.
Smoking
Research shows that smoking causes more major diseases than any other personal
habit. Some examples are cancers of the lung, mouth, bladder, and throat; heart
and lung disease; and strokes. If you stop smoking, you can help avoid these
diseases.
It is never too late to stop smoking. Half of all people who have ever smoked
have quit.
When you are getting ready to quit:
Pick a date to quit.
Begin by not smoking in places where you spend a lot of time, such as at home or
in the car.
Get support and encouragement—you may want to join a quit smoking program.
Talk with your doctor about using nicotine replacement products such as gum,
patch, nasal spray, or inhaler. Research shows that almost everyone can benefit
from using these products.
Overcoming Depression
Everybody feels "down" or "blue" at times. But, if these feelings are very
strong or last for most of the day, nearly every day, they may be due to a
medical illness called depression.
The good news is that depression can be treated. But first you have to know you
have it. People do not always know the warning signs of depression. If you have
four or more, be sure to talk to your doctor about depression.
By adopting above mentioned ways of living one can have a healthy and peaceful
life