Six ateps are considered to living longer and staying healthy:

Step 1: Give your body the energy it needs (healthy eating).

The dietary habit of us plays a significant role in the determination of our health condition. Our body needs some foods to stay strong and healthy. Other foods, if eaten too often or too much, contribute to obesity and illnesses. Cut down on alcohol, fatty foods such as foods containing saturated fats (butter, meat, egg etc.) grease and "junk food" like chips or candy. Refer your nutrition module about the benefit of balanced diet and the disadvantage of cholesterol-containing diet.

Step 2: Stay physically active.

Regular physical activity helps people:

  • live longer, feel better throughout their lives and prevent depression
  • be stronger and more flexible, build strong bones and fight osteoporosis
  • strengthens your ability to fight off illness and maintain a healthy body weight

It is best to get at least one half hour of exercise three times a week, but any amount of exercise is better than none at all! If you do not want to go jogging or swimming, try going for a brisk walk with a friend, working vigorously in the yard, or riding your bike to work.

Step 3: A healthy mind is part of a healthy body.

When you are in a good state of mind, you make good decisions for yourself about your job, your lifestyle, and your health. Here are some things you can do to keep your mind healthy:

  • Reduce stress in your life.
  • Make time in your life for things that are fun. Make a list of activities you like and sure you have at least a little time each day for doing something you enjoy.
  • Get enough sleep
  • Get help if you feel depressed or anxious for more than several days at a time. Talk with a friend or your health care provider for some help.

Step 4: Keep your mind and body free of harmful drugs and alcohol.

  • Tobacco causes more health problems than any other drug and is the most addictive, most widely used. Cutting down or stopping the use of cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco can save your health and save your money.
  • Too much alcohol is definitely dangerous, causing liver damage, fetal alcohol syndrome, and accidents. The tricky question is, how much is too much?
  • Street drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or pain pills not prescribed for you are dangerous to your health. Street drugs can be diluted with substances that are harmful for you. People often put themselves in dangerous situations to get street drugs. If you are using street drugs and would like to stop but are having difficulty, talk to your health care provider.

Step 5: Practice safe living habits.

Did you know these facts?:

  • Accidents and injuries are the fifth leading cause of death in the developed countries.
  • Among children, they are the second leading cause of death.
  • Accidents in the home cause thousands of permanent injuries every year.

Here, are some steps you can take to stay safe:

  • The most common accidents are related to cars, fire, falls, and drowning. Help yourself and your family to stay safe.
  • Stay safe on the road by:
    • Wearing a seatbelt dramatically reduces your chances of death in an accident.
    • Do not ride with someone who has been drinking or drugging.
    • Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
    • Use zebra lines when crossing.
    • Walk on the left side of the roads.
  • Wash your hands regularly to avoid the spread of germs.

Step 6: Get regular health care.

  • Many people think they only need to see a doctor when they are sick or injured. The truth is, health care providers are also experts at preventing illnesses and finding and treating problems before you ever feel sick.
  • Get yourself and the children in your family immunised against life-threatening illnesses.
Last modified: Tuesday, 28 February 2017, 6:56 PM