Healthy Life

Tips for a Healthy Life for Women

Eat Healthy

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." There's more truth to this saying than
we once thought. What you eat and drink and what you don’t eat and drink can
definitely make a difference to your health. 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

Obesity is at an all time high in the United States, and the epidemic may be
getting worse. 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. It
doesn’t take a lot of time or money, but it does take commitment. Start slowly,
work up to a satisfactory level, and don’t overdo it. You can develop one
routine, or you can do something different every day. Find fun ways to stay in
shape and feel good, such as dancing, gardening, cutting the grass, swimming,
walking, or jogging.

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. Second-hand smoke -
smoke that you inhale when others smoke - also affects your health. If you
smoke, quit today! Helplines, counseling, medications, and other forms of
support are available to help you quit.

Get Check-Ups

Sometimes they’re once a year. Other times they’re more or less often. 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. When problems are found early, your chances for
treatment and cure are better. Routine exams and screenings can help save lives.

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. Protect
yourself from illness and disease by keeping up with your vaccinations.

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.

Know Yourself and
Your Risks

Your parents and ancestors help determine some of who you are. Your habits, work
and home environments, and lifestyle also help to define your health and your
risks. You may be at an increased risk for certain diseases or conditions
because of what you do, where you work, and how you play. Being healthy means
doing some homework, knowing yourself, and knowing what’s best for you...
because you are one of a kind.

Be Safe - Protect Yourself

What comes to mind when you think about safety and protecting yourself? Is it
fastening seat belts, applying sunscreen, wearing helmets, or having smoke
detectors? It’s all of these and more. It’s everything from washing your hands
to watching your relationships. Did you know that women at work die most
frequently from homicides, motor vehicle incidents, falls, and machine-related
injuries? Take steps to protect yourself and others wherever you are.

Be Good to Yourself

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.