Tips for a Healthy Life for Women
Click on the links below to learn more about how you can start living healthier today!
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.
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Page last modified: May 13, 2008
Page last reviewed: May 13, 2008