Don't smoke or use tobacco.
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.
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 equal to 1 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.
Eat healthy.
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.
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, certain cancers, gallbladder disease and arthritis in the
weight-bearing joints (such as the spine, hips or knees). A high-fiber,
low-fat diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight and keep it
off.
Exercise.
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.