Seven Days and Ways to Be Healthy: Tips for Women

From staff reports • September 7, 2008
Pensicola News Journal

Eat healthy: 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.

Keep 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.

Be active: More than 50 percent of American men and women do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. For adults, thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on most— preferably all — days of the week is recommended.

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. Helplines, counseling, medications, and other forms of support are available to help you quit.

Get check-ups: 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.

Get vaccinated: 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.

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.

Source: www.cdc.gov