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| What You Can Do to Maintain Your Health |
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Do my habits really affect my health? Very much so. All of the major causes of death (such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease and injury) can be prevented by your lifestyle and the choices you make.
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Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
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Smoking and using tobacco are very dangerous habits. Smoking causes 440,000 deaths in the United States every year. More preventable illnesses (such as emphysema, mouth, throat and lung cancer and heart disease) are caused by tobacco use than by anything else. The sooner you quit, the better.
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Limit how much alcohol you drink.
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This means no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. One drink is equal to 1 can of beer (12 ounces), a 4-ounce glass of wine or a jigger (1 ounce) of liquor.
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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 healthy.
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A healthy diet has many health benefits. Heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, diabetes and damage to your arteries can be linked to what you eat. By making healthier food choices, you can also lower your cholesterol and lose weight.
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Exercise.
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Exercise can help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression. It can also help prevent colon cancer, stroke and back injury. You’ll 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 remember that any amount of exercise is better than none.
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Don’t sunbathe or use tanning booths.
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Sun exposure is linked to skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It’s best to limit sun exposure and wear protective clothing and hats when you are outside. Sunscreen is also very important. It protects your skin and will help prevent skin cancer. Make sure you use sunscreen year round on exposed skin (such as your face and hands). Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 and one that blocks both UVA and UVB light.
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Keep your shots up to date.
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Adults need a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years. Your doctor may substitute one Td booster with Tdap, which protects you against pertussis (whooping cough). You should also get a flu shot each year. Ask your doctor if you need other shots or vaccines.
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Ask your doctor about other cancer screenings.
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Adults over age 50 should ask their doctor about being checked for colorectal cancer. Men over age 50 should discuss with their doctor the risks and benefits of being screened for prostate cancer.
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Should I have a yearly physical?
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Health screenings are replacing the yearly physical. Instead of every person getting the same exams and tests, only the appropriate ones are given. Talk to your family doctor about your risk factors and what tests and exams are right for you. | |
| 2010-01-25 15:03:52 |
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| Source：http://familydoctor.org |
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