Prevention Tips and Tricks
Kick the Habit
Quitting smoking (or never starting) can seriously cut down your chances of facing major health issues like heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and lung problems, plus it helps you live longer—even if you’ve been smoking for a while. Ready to make a change? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for some free support!
Eat Right
Eating well can help you dodge, delay, or manage chronic diseases. Aim for a balanced diet packed with fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Try to keep added sugars, saturated fats, and salt to a minimum.
Get Moving
Staying active is key to preventing or managing chronic diseases. Shoot for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week (think brisk walking or gardening), plus some muscle-strengthening activities a couple of times a week.
Watch Your Drinking
Drinking too much over time can lead to high blood pressure, various cancers, heart issues, strokes, and liver problems. Cutting back on alcohol can help lower these risks.
Stay on Top of Screenings
To catch chronic diseases early or prevent them altogether, make sure to see your doctor and dentist regularly for check-ups and screenings.
Take Care of Your Smile
Oral health matters! Issues like cavities and gum disease can cause a lot of pain and trouble. To keep your mouth healthy, drink fluoridated water, brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you don’t have natural teeth.
Get Your Zzz’s
Not getting enough sleep can mess with your health, leading to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
Know Your Family Health History
If chronic diseases run in your family, like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis, you might be at a higher risk. Share your family health history with your doctor so they can help you take steps to prevent or catch these issues early.
