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Much is known about how we can stay safe and healthy. As children, our family taught us to brush our teeth, wash our hands, eat our vegetables, look both ways before crossing the street, and wear our seatbelts. All of these, and more, were steps to keep us healthy. It still works the same way today.

Doing simple things everyday, throughout our day, helps to keep us safe and healthy. Learn more about what you can do on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis to help you be the best that you can be.

Eat Healthy
Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories, and they are filling. Add variety to your choices of fruits and vegetables, depending on what’s in season and available. Drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat. Choose snacks that are nutritious and filling.

Maintain a Healthy Weight
To lose or maintain weight, you should eat a balanced diet, eat less saturated fat, make healthy food choices, go easy on extra portions or serving sizes, and exercise.

Get Moving
Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death, and it decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week.

Be Smoke-Free
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do. You will live longer and live better. Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby. The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier. You will also have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes.

Manage Stress
Job stress has become a common and costly problem in the American workplace, leaving few workers untouched. Short-lived or infrequent times of stress pose little risk. But when stressful situations go unresolved, the body is kept in a constant state of being "on," which increases the rate of wear and tear to body systems. Ultimately, fatigue or damage results, and the body’s ability to repair and defend itself can become seriously compromised.

As a result, the risk of injury or disease escalates. Evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several types of chronic health problems- especially cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders.

Know Yourself and Your Risks
Do you neglect to wear seat belts every time you drive or are a passenger in a vehicle? Do you work at a job that exposes you to hazardous substances or agents? Are you a sun worshiper? Do you have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer? These are the types of things that may place you at risk for injury, disease, or disability. Your genes (family history), environment (at work, home, and play), and your daily lifestyle choices and behaviors help to define your health and your risks. Be aware of what they are and take steps to reduce your risk.

Be Safe – Protect Yourself
Take steps to protect yourself from injury, one of the leading causes of death regardless of age. Also, protect your health by washing your hands, wearing sun screen, wearing a helmet (i.e. while riding a bicycle/motorcycle or skating), having a plan for possible emergencies, and following safety tips at work.

Plan Ahead for Pregnancy
Are you thinking about getting pregnant? Make sure you take folic acid daily before, during, and after pregnancy to decrease the risk for certain birth defects.

Be Good To Yourself
It’s not all about work. Take time for yourself. Get enough rest and sleep. Spend time doing something you like.

To read more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and to see related pages for each section, please click here: http://www.cdc.gov/women/owh/preventworks/action.htm

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