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How to Stay Proactive in Your Health

Living a long and healthy life is almost every person’s goal. Their lifestyle, however, may not reflect this desire. Putting your health first means that you’re aware of daily habits and change them as necessary. Take a look at how you can stay proactive with your health so that those golden years are as active as possible.

1. Visit the Doctor When You Aren’t Ill

It may sound counterintuitive to visit the doctor when you feel great, but preventive care is critical to a proactive lifestyle, reports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ideally, schedule a yearly physical to catch any issues that may be unknown right now. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and other issues cannot be noticed by the naked eye. Blood tests and vital documentation are the best tools to keep you healthy when there’s nothing obviously wrong.

2. Try DNA Tests

A modern way to stay proactive with your health is by requesting a DNA test. Pick and choose the results that you desire, such as ancestry and medical information. You can learn how your genes might impact the odds of catching or developing certain diseases. You can be on the lookout for these issues if they run in your family.

3. Start Moving Every Day

Remaining sedentary for most of your life creates health issues along the way. Set a goal to move at least 30 minutes each day. The activity can be as simple as walking or stretching. Moving your muscles will strengthen the bones and help the immune system work as lymph fluids rush around your tissues. Sitting still and gaining weight contributes to many different health ailments as you grow older.

4. Be Aware of Food and Drink Intake

Being proactive about your health also involves improved eating and drinking habits. Create a food diary about your daily meals. Swap a few indulgences out with fruits and vegetables. Additionally, concentrate on any drinking habits that have arisen over the years. Too much alcohol can certainly impact your health. Cut back on the drinks so that your liver can work without too much strain.

5. Talk About Your Feelings

The University of California San Francisco urges everyone to prioritize their emotional well-being. Being healthy doesn’t just involve your physical tissues. Your mind should also be healthy. Connect with loved ones on a regular basis. Discuss your emotions whenever the time is right. You might also consider a session with a psychiatrist, who can make sense of deeper issues that may be affecting your health.

6. Curb Those Bad Habits

Most people are aware of certain habits that are a detriment to their health. Be honest with yourself if you smoke or fail to wear seatbelts in the car. Actions as simple as putting on a helmet before a bike ride can save you from potential ailments if an accident occurs. Think through your regular habits, and come up with a few solutions to change them for the better.

7. Limit the Time Spent in Extreme Temperatures

Being aware of your surroundings allows you to stay proactive with your health. Try to avoid the hottest parts of the day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the summer, for example. Stay inside when the temperatures dip down too low as well. Extreme temperatures put you at risk for dozens of ailments that can have permanent effects on your health.

Everyone will have setbacks in life. Chalk any mistakes or bad habits up to life lessons learned. Move ahead with this newfound knowledge so that unhealthy habits can be mostly eliminated. Being proactive requires constant change and evaluation for a healthier tomorrow.