Healthy Living: What You Can Do to Keep Your Health
Does what I do really affect my health?
Very much so. All of the major causes of death--cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease and injury--can be prevented by things you do.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Using tobacco is one of the most dangerous things you can do. One out of every 6 deaths in the United States can be blamed on smoking. More preventable illnesses are caused by tobacco than by anything else.
Limit how much alcohol you drink. This means no more than 2 drinks a day for men, and 1 drink a day for women. One drink is a can of beer (12 ounces), a 4-ounce glass of wine or a jigger (1 ounce) of liquor.
Too much alcohol can damage the liver and contribute to some cancers, such as throat and liver cancer. Alcohol also contributes to deaths from car wrecks, murders and suicides.
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Eat right. See the boxes below for tips on eating healthy. Heart disease, some cancers, stroke, diabetes and damage to your arteries can be linked to what you eat. Fiber, fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of some cancers. Calcium helps build strong bones.
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Lose weight if you're overweight.
Many Americans are overweight. Carrying too much weight increases your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, gallbladder disease and arthritis in the weight-bearing joints (like the spine, hips or knees). A high-fiber, low-fat diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight gradually and help you keep it off.
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Exercise.
Exercise can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and, possibly, colon cancer, stroke and back injury. You'll also feel better and keep your weight under control if you exercise regularly. Try to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week, but any amount is better than none.
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Don't sunbathe or use tanning booths.
Sun exposure is linked to skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer. So it's best to stay out of the sun altogether or to wear protective clothing and hats. Sunscreen may help protect your skin somewhat if you can't avoid being exposed to the sun's harmful rays.
This one is simple, Stay out of the sun and do not over use tanning booths....
Practice safer sex if you're having sex.
The safest sex is between 2 people who are only having sex with each other and who don't have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or share needles to inject drugs.
If you're at all uncertain about your partner, use latex condoms and a spermicide (sperm-killer). If you're concerned you may be at risk of having an STD, see your doctor about being tested.
Control your cholesterol level.
If your cholesterol level is high, keep your level down by eating right, such as by reducing how much fat you eat, and by exercising.
Control high blood pressure.
High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. To control it, lose weight, exercise, eat less sodium, drink less alcohol, don't smoke and take medicine if your doctor prescribes it.
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"preventive service"
What is a "preventive service"?
A preventive service might be a test, or it might be advice from your doctor. Preventive services can include the following:
Tests (also called screenings) to check your general health or the health of certain parts of your body
Regular measurements of weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure
Advice about diet, exercise, tobacco, alcohol and drug use, stress and accident prevention
Immunizations ("shots") for both children and adults
Special tests at certain times in your life, such as during pregnancy and after age 50
Please be concerned about your health, If not for yourself, at least do it for your family.
Who pays for preventive services?
Most health insurance companies pay for at least some preventive services. If you aren't sure what your insurance will cover, read your health plan's patient manual or call the health plan's office.
After all if you can get a free check do it !!!
What preventive services do women need?
Adult women should have their weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. They should also have a Pap test at least every 3 years to screen for cervical cancer starting at age 21 or approximately 3 years after they have sex for the first time. After the age of 40, women should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years to screen for breast cancer. After the age of 50, they should also be tested for colorectal cancer. These are routine tests that everyone should have. If your doctor orders these tests for you, it does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer. Your doctor will also make sure you have all the shots you need.
Your doctor may give you advice about exercise and diet. For example, your doctor may tell you how much calcium you need to prevent bone problems, or he or she may talk to you about taking folic acid before you get pregnant and lowering the fat and cholesterol in your diet. Your doctor may also give you advice about alcohol and drug use and sexually transmitted infections. As you get close to menopause, your doctor will talk to you about hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor may also talk to you about injury prevention practices, such as using seat belts and having smoke detectors in your home.
What preventive services do men need?
Adult men should have their weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked regularly. Men older than 50 should be tested for colorectal cancer. If your doctor orders this test, it does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer. This is a routine test that everyone should have. Your doctor will also make sure you have all the shots you need.
Your doctor may talk to you about the importance of diet and exercise, testing for prostate cancer and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs and sexually transmitted infections. Your doctor may also talk to you about injury prevention practices, such as using seat belts and having smoke detectors in your home.
What preventive services do children need?
Shots are one of the most important preventive services for children. Shots (also called vaccines) protect children from diseases such as polio, measles and mumps.
Your doctor will check your child to make sure he or she is growing and developing properly.Your doctor will tell you what you can do to keep your child's teeth healthy.Your doctor may also give you advice about how to keep your child safe from accidents and injuries (for example, using car seats and seat belts and keeping your child away from poisons and electric outlets). Your doctor will also talk to you about teaching your child healthy eating habits and exercise habits. Your doctor can tell you how to teach your child about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. You can also ask your doctor for tips on how to talk to an older child about avoiding pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and AIDS.
We are also concerned about your health. So just get a check up or physical. Stay on top of your health. We have lost way to many family and friends already. There is no sense in waiting till latter and then saying if only I would of. Thank you for visiting. And please stay healthy.
P.S. After all no body wants to live the rest of there life being ill or with a disease that they could of avoided or controlled.