Steps for Disease Prevention and Healthy Living

The basics of disease prevention actually aren't complicated. There are some things, in particular, everyone can do to live healthfully, prevent disease, increase longevity, and improve overall physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. You may already do some or even all of them but chances are you can improve in each one.

1. Get Screened
Health screenings for women and those for men are tests used to uncover illness early on, before symptoms appear. Early detection of diseases such as cancer can make a significant difference in treatment and even life expectancy. Your healthcare provider likely advises you of the tests you should undergo and when.

2. Don't Smoke
Smoking shortens both the length and quality of a person’s life. It's responsible for many diseases and is the leading preventable cause of death. If you smoke, quitting is your number one health priority.

3. Be Active
Regular physical activity is key to staying healthy by reducing the risk of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some types of cancer. Work exercise into your daily/weekly schedule—making a point to do both resistance and cardio training—for a longer, more active life.
Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity (or a combination) each week. They should also do strengthening activities at least twice per week.

4. Eat Healthfully
Building healthy eating habits can protect your health, prevent disease, and minimize the severity of conditions you already have.  The evidence is strong that you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by healthy eating habits. The evidence is of moderate strength that you can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, or being overweight or obese.
A healthy diet has these characteristics:
–    Higher intakes of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, 
seafood, legumes, and nuts.
–    Lower intakes of meats (including processed meats and processed poultry), 
sugar-sweetened foods (particularly beverages), and refined grains.

5. Take Your Medicine
While a healthy diet and physical activity are the first lines of prevention and management for heart disease, your healthcare provider may recommend preventive medications as well. Talk to your healthcare provider about what might be best to reduce your health risks.
 

Sources: Very Well Health