Healthy Lifestyles

Determine your health status by thinking about your health. Do you smoke? Do you involve yourself in risk-taking behaviors that can be hazardous to your health, like smoking, not wearing sunscreen and driving without a seat belt? If your health is not what you want it to be, consider these ways to improve it:

• Preventive screenings: Schedule regular check-ups with your physician to discuss your health.
• Risk factors: Know your family health history, including diseases like cancer and diabetes.
• Exercise: Engage in some type of physical activity every day.
• Nutrition: Plan your meals and make healthy decisions regarding the foods you eat.
• Family and friends: Involve your spouse, family, co-workers and friends in your efforts to get healthy.
• Habits: Avoid the use of all tobacco products.

Physical Activity

Do you know how much physical activity you should be getting each day?

• 30 minutes of moderate activity (a brisk walk) at least five times a week.
  or
• 20 minutes of vigorous activity (cycling, jogging or running) three times a week.
• Combine weight training, cardiovascular training and stretching.

Nutrition

Follow these guidelines to make sure your diet is up to par.

• Eat five fruits and vegetables a day.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Balance calories consumed with calories burned through physical activity.
• Make healthier food choices by following  ChooseMyPlate.gov. 
• Limit your salt, refined sugars, caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Benefits

The benefits of incorporating good health habits into your life are
immense. In time you may:

• Feel better
• Reduce health care costs
• Increase productivity
• Decrease number of sick days
• Increase overall quality of life

Smoking Cessation

Take advantage of Kentucky's Tobacco Quit Line, administered by the Department for Public Health. Learn more about the Quit Line online; or call the Quit Line at 1-800-Quit Now.