Tips for a Safe and Healthy Life

Take steps every day to live a safe and healthy life.

Eat healthy.

• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.

• Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.

• Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.

Be active.

• Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.

• Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. Include activities that raise their breathing and heart rates and that strengthen their muscles and bones.

Protect yourself.

• Wear helmets, seat belts, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

• Wash hands to stop the spread of germs.

• Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke.

• Build safe and healthy relationships with family and friends.

• Be ready for emergencies. Make a supply kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Manage stress.

• Balance work, home, and play.

• Get support from family and friends.

• Stay positive.

• Take time to relax.

• Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure kids get more, based on their age.

• Get help or counseling if needed.

Get check-ups.

• Ask your doctor or nurse how you can lower your chances for health problems based on your lifestyle and personal and family health histories.

• Find out what exams, tests, and shots you need and when to get them.

• See your doctor or nurse as often as he or she says to do so. See him or her sooner if you feel sick, have pain, notice changes, or have problems with medicine.